Normal Albino Cory Behavior?

**AnswerInquisition** · 12-20-2011, 08:39 PM

I just stocked my 29 gallon tank last night. Included in the stock are 16 neon tetras, 2 male guppies, 1 dwarf gourami, 2 african dwarf frogs, and 3 albino cory catfish.

I was under the impression that the catfish stick to the bottom, and are even shy in numbers less than 5-6. However, two of the albino corys are continually swimming back and forth the entire length of the tank, at the very top of the tank. (The other is staying on the bottom which, I assume is regular behavior)

Does anyone know why this might be happening? Is this typical? Is something off? Any guesses as to why these two are doing laps?

This is my first time having Corydoras so I just want to make sure everything is alright.

**Ellen4God** · 12-20-2011, 08:46 PM

If I remember correctly, my corys did this when I first got them. I think they're just figuring everything out. Just my opinion though!!! :)

**Brhino** · 12-20-2011, 08:47 PM

yeah, mine did that too. If they're like mine, they'll settle to the bottom in a few days and get a lot less active.

**kampmanfan4life** · 12-20-2011, 08:54 PM

Yeah, they must do that when in a new tank. Mine did the exact same thing first few days. It's kinda fun to watch them

**openbook** · 12-20-2011, 10:23 PM

Mine do that at night.

**ldoerr** · 12-21-2011, 03:44 AM

Mine do that at night as well. It is fun to watch. You should really bump up the size of the school that they are in.

**ScottishFish** · 12-26-2011, 07:30 PM

I have a peppered , bronze and albino cory and out of the three the albino is the most active, second place is the bronze and generaly my peppered is pretty shy, they are all very healthy so i guess it must just be in their behaviour, nothing to worry about :)

**icefreeze57** · 12-26-2011, 08:34 PM

interesting... maybe there is no food in the bottom of the tank, as you just stocked it... Im not planning on adding catfish for a while tbh... Probably a school of 4 albinos

**icefreeze57** · 12-26-2011, 08:40 PM

"If you notice that your Corydoras occasionally leaves the bottom to breathe air at the surface, there is no need to be alarmed. This is a normal behaviour in Corydoras and does not indicate gill infections. The fish draws air into its mouth and absorb it through the wall of its intestine. Left over air is then released through the vent. This fascinating form of breathing is an adaptation to low-oxygen waters. "

from the write-up on this site.... probably just getting oxygen