Corydoras lifespan varies significantly by species. Standard species (5-15 years): Bronze cory, panda cory, sterbai cory, albino cory. Hardy, peaceful, school of 6+ in any community tank. Smaller species (3-5 years): Pygmy cory, dwarf cory, hastatus cory. Dwarf species (2-4 years): Some specialty cory varieties. Common cause of shortened lifespan: kept in groups smaller than 6 (cory are highly social and stress in small groups), or kept in tanks with sharp gravel that injures their barbels.
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