When are Corys too old to breed?

[harsmann]

Hi!

A couple of years ago I bred C. paleatus, and now I am starting up again.

I think about using my old breeders again, but wonder if they are too old?

They are probably about 3½ years old, and I don't want to disrupt their happy life in the community tank if they are past their breeding age alreay.

Usually young breeders recommended. Is that because of the chance of succesful spawning? Becasue younger fish lay more eggs? Or because the fry are stronger? (or all of the above.)

[apistomaster]

I would not consider 3-1/2 years old Corydoras paleatus too old to breed.
On the contrary, I would expect larger spawns and a higher per cent of fertile eggs than from much younger breeders.
They may need a little stimulation like live worms to condition them and the usual cool water changes to get them going.

[Coryman]

When are Corys to old to breed?

If I tell you that I have C. sterbai at 16 years, C139 at 12 years and a group of C. pygmaeus at least 10 years old that are all still producing viable young then that should give you a good idea of the age that they can get to and still do the business.

Ian

[harsmann]

Sounds great - I'll give them some quality time on their own with good eating