Neocaridina Red Rili Shrimp freshwater fish for sale - Legacy Line Aquatics LLC

Melini Cory

$8.50

Melini Cory

Name: Melini Cory
Brand: Legacy Line Aquatics LLC
Price: 8.5 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

$8.50

Select Import

Melini Corys are peaceful, social bottom dwellers known for their pale bodies, black eye masks, and striking diagonal markings extending toward the tail. Often called False Bandit Corys, they bring attractive contrast and engaging group activity to a community aquarium.

They spend their time searching the substrate, exploring around plants and driftwood, and resting alongside their companions. Keeping a proper group helps them settle in and display their natural behavior.

Color intensity, body size, and marking placement may vary among individuals.

Why Hobbyists Love Melini Corys

Attractive black-and-cream contrast
Distinctive masked appearance
Peaceful community temperament
Entertaining social and foraging behavior
Excellent addition to planted aquariums
Especially rewarding to watch in larger groups

What You’re Getting from Legacy Line Aquatics

Imported stock offered through our Select Import collection
Clear identification of the fish being offered
Available purchase size shown separately from adult size
Individual variation in markings and coloration
No guarantee of sex unless specifically listed as sexed

Scientific Identification: Hoplisoma melini, formerly Corydoras melini
Common Name: Melini Cory / False Bandit Cory
Source: Imported stock
Adult Size: Approximately 2–2½ inches
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: Several years with proper care; age at purchase affects remaining lifespan
Recommended Group: At least 6 of the same species; larger groups preferred
Minimum Tank Size: 20-gallon long
Temperature: 72–79°F

Temperament & Behavior

Melini Corys are social catfish that feel more secure with companions of their own species. A single individual or very small group may remain shy and spend more time hiding.

Provide open feeding areas alongside shaded resting places. Occasional trips to the surface for a gulp of air are normal, but frequent gasping warrants checking oxygen levels and water quality.

Feeding

Feed foods that reach the bottom, and make sure the entire group gets an opportunity to eat.

Recommended foods:

Quality small sinking pellets
Nutritionally complete catfish wafers
Frozen or live brine shrimp
Daphnia
Appropriately sized bloodworms
Small worms and insect-based foods

Melini Corys require intentional feeding. They should not be expected to survive on leftovers or function as algae eaters.

Breeding

Females attach adhesive eggs to glass, plants, or other surfaces. Adults may consume eggs and fry. Breeding and egg development can require more specific conditions than everyday maintenance.

Tank Parameters & Tankmates

Use fine sand with open foraging areas. Provide plants, driftwood, and shaded retreats while keeping the substrate clean. Maintain good oxygenation and access to the water’s surface.

Tank Mates (Good Choices)

Small peaceful tetras
Rasboras
Pencilfish
Otocinclus
Other peaceful cory species, with adequate space and separate social groups
Adult dwarf shrimp, with no guarantee for tiny shrimplets

Avoid

Large predatory fish
Aggressive cichlids
Persistent fin nippers
Territorial bottom dwellers that monopolize food or shelter
Sharp or jagged substrate
Allowing waste to accumulate in feeding areas
Relying on scraps as their only food

Local Delivery

Delivery is available within an 80-mile maximum distance from Owensboro, Kentucky.
$150 minimum order is required for delivery
$25 delivery fee applies

Local Meet-Up

Local meet-up is available.
After order we will contact you by email, or through Facebook or Instagram Messenger.
We will arrange a date, time, and public location to meet.

Shipping & Live Arrival

Live fish are shipped Monday–Wednesday (weather permitting) to reduce transit risk. Please review our How Shipping Works page and DOA Policy before ordering.