Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) Care Guide
Hardy, peaceful armored catfish from South America. Schooling bottom-dweller widely kept in community aquariums for its scavenging behavior and undemanding care.
Overview
Corydoras aeneus is a small armored catfish in the family Callichthyidae, distributed across South America east of the Andes from Colombia and Trinidad to the Rio de la Plata basin. It is one of the most widely traded ornamental catfish and is valued for its peaceful temperament, sociability, and active foraging on the substrate.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras aeneus
Habitat
Wild populations occupy quiet, shallow waters with soft substrates, although the species also occurs in flowing tributaries. Its native range spans Trinidad, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas and a large part of the Amazon and La Plata drainages. Genetic studies suggest the broad distribution may actually cover a complex of closely related taxa.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
Diet
Corydoras aeneus is an opportunistic omnivore. In nature it consumes worms, benthic crustaceans, insect larvae and plant matter sifted from the substrate. In aquaria it readily accepts sinking pellets, granules and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia. It should not be expected to subsist on leftovers.
Compatibility
Peaceful and gregarious, this species is best maintained as a shoal of six or more on a fine sand substrate that protects its sensitive barbels. Suitable companions include small tetras, rasboras, livebearers and dwarf cichlids. It should not be combined with large or aggressive cichlids that may damage its barbels or outcompete it for food.
Breeding
Breeding follows the classic Corydoras pattern. A cool water change of several degrees combined with increased aeration typically triggers spawning. Females deposit batches of adhesive eggs on glass and broad leaves after assuming the so-called T-position with the male. Eggs hatch within three to four days at 24 °C, and fry can be raised on microworms and Artemia nauplii.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is widespread, abundant in much of its range, and supported by extensive commercial breeding for the aquarium trade.