Gastrodermus

The genus Gastrodermus was first described by Cope in 1878. The scientific genus name Gastrodermus comes from the Greek dérma (Gr. δέρμα) which means stomach. A reference to the coracoid bones of G. elegans where, unlike many other former Corydoras congeners, the armor does not enclose the abdominal area but is covered by soft skin.

For a long time, the species within this genus belonged to the Corydoras. In 2024, the genus Gastrodermus was reinstated (see The end of Corydoras as we know it!).

Largest and Smallest Species

The largest species within this genus is Gastrodermus elegans, which reaches a maximum length of about 5 centimeters. The smallest species is Gastrodermus pygmaeus, which reaches a maximum length of about 2 centimeters.

Characteristics

The genus Gastrodermus is distinguished from other genera in the family by the presence of sexual dichromatism (differences in color between sexually mature males and females) and the tendency to swim freely in the water.

Below you will find the list of species that we have not yet included in the database. Below that, with photos, the species that have already been added.

– Gastrodermus bilineatus
– Gastrodermus gracilis
– Gastrodermus guapore
– Gastrodermus hastatus
– Gastrodermus latus
– Gastrodermus mamore
– Gastrodermus nanus
– Gastrodermus napoensis
– Gastrodermus nijsseni
– Gastrodermus paucerna
– Gastrodermus pauciradiatus
– Gastrodermus pygmaeus
– Gastrodermus undulatus