Corydoras With No Barbels

[UHav2HavAHatchet]

Hi there..
I recently brought 3 jullii corys, for AU $10.50..
Anyhow, when I brought them home, I realised that one has completely worn out barbels... I did note that they were in a tank with coral pieces and sharp stones mixed into the substrate, and asked for ones with the longest barbels.

The gravel in my tank is no more than 1cm long, and is smoothed. There is a LOT of driftwood in the tank, and several large leafed plants for my corys to rest on. I've given the tank a small dosage of melafix...but I'm wondering if this cory will grow it's barbels back?

And will this gravel be okay? I'm having trouble finding some normal river sand to scatter around the tank bottom...but do plan on having sandy regions...

All replies will be appreciated,
Dani

[Bathos]

if the water parameters are good, the barbels should grow back, but it will probably take a long time. (i had a similar problem where 2 were missing and 2 were shortened. it took over 6 months for them to grow back)

-Liz

[macquatic]

The barbels will grow back but it will take some time. Round smooth gravel will be fine, just keep it clean and you shouldn't have any problems. Mac.

[Coryman]

The gravel in my tank is no more than 1cm long, and is smoothed.

The problem with gravel this large is that food gets down in between and your Cory's won't be able to reach it and then the food rots and will start to cause polution problems.This is why sand is the best option. The barbels may regrow providing they are not completely worn down, but it will be a long slow proccess.

Ian

PS please add your location to your profile. Country will do.

[UHav2HavAHatchet]

Thanks for your replies.
My tank maintenance is regular, if not weekly...bi weekly...and my tank is understocked.
I will place their wafers on actual pieces of driftwood, until I can get some sand.

Hopefully they'll grow back rapidly...
Dani