🐟 Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus

• Common Names: Bronze Cory, Green Cory, Bronze Catfish, Albino Cory (variant)

• Origin: South America — widely distributed in rivers of Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina

• Family: Callichthyidae

• Ease of Care: Very hardy and beginner-friendly

🎨 Appearance

• Size: Typically 2.5 to 3 inches (6–7.5 cm)

• Body Color: Metallic bronze or greenish-brown sheen

• Variants: Albino (pale white/pink body with red eyes), Longfin

• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are rounder and slightly larger; males more slender

🏡 Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger preferred for groups)

• Group Size: Keep in groups of 5 or more (they are social shoaling fish)

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel (rough gravel can damage their barbels)

• Decor: Driftwood, caves, plants, and shaded hiding places

• Lighting: Moderate to low

• Filtration: Gentle to moderate current; oxygen-rich water

• Tank Lid: Recommended (they may dart to the surface)

💧 Water Conditions

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–20 dGH)

• Water Quality: Sensitive to ammonia and nitrite; maintain clean substrate

• Special Note: They can breathe air via their intestine and may occasionally gulp air at the surface

🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Omnivorous bottom-feeder

• Primary Foods:

  • Sinking pellets or wafers

  • Soft flake food that reaches the bottom

• Supplemental Foods:

  • Bloodworms

  • Brine shrimp

  • Daphnia

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day; ensure food reaches them at the bottom

🤝 Temperament and Tankmates

• Temperament: Extremely peaceful and social

• Behavior: Bottom-dwelling scavengers; active in groups

• Best Tankmates:

  • Tetras

  • Guppies

  • Platies

  • Mollies

  • Rasboras

  • Dwarf gouramis

  • Other Corydoras

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive fish

  • Large cichlids

  • Fin-nippers

  • Rough-bottom dwellers

🥚 Breeding

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Breeding Conditions:

  • Lower water temperature with frequent cool water changes

  • Feed high-protein foods before spawning

• Spawning Behavior:

  • Males and females form “T-position”

  • Eggs are laid on tank walls, leaves, or décor

• Egg Care:

  • Adults may eat the eggs; best to separate eggs or adults post-spawning

  • Eggs hatch in 3–5 days

• Fry Food:

  • Infusoria

  • Baby brine shrimp

  • Crushed flakes

❤️ Health & Lifespan

• Lifespan: 5–8 years (up to 10 with great care)

• Common Health Issues:

  • Barbel erosion (from sharp substrate or poor water)

  • Ich

  • Bacterial infections

  • Sensitive to copper-based medications

• Prevention Tips:

  • Keep tank clean

  • Use soft substrate

  • Avoid sudden water changes

✅ Summary Table

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.