Gold-Stripe Bronze Corydoras Care Guide
The Gold-Stripe is a selectively-bred ornamental form of the Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus), a peaceful South American schooling catfish.
Overview
The Gold-Stripe Bronze Corydoras is a selectively-bred ornamental form of Corydoras aeneus, the Bronze Cory, an armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae described by Gill in 1858. Seriously Fish records that several bred strains of this species exist, including albino, long-finned, melanistic black and short-bodied forms; the Gold-Stripe is one such colour selection carrying a gold lateral stripe. It is a peaceful, gregarious bottom-dweller.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras aeneus 'Gold Stripe'
- Author of nominal species: Gill, 1858
Habitat
The nominal species ranges widely across South America. Seriously Fish gives a broad distribution from Trinidad through Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, the Guianas and Argentina, though the true range is obscured by taxonomic confusion. FishBase summarises it as occurring from Colombia and Trinidad to the La Plata basin east of the Andes, in quiet, shallow waters with soft bottoms.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals
- Substrate: fine sand preferred
- Size: 5-6 cm (FishBase max 7.5 cm SL for the species)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
It is an omnivore. FishBase places Corydoras aeneus at a trophic level of about 3.0, with adults consuming worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. Seriously Fish describes it as a foraging omnivore that accepts sinking dried foods, bloodworm and Tubifex, and stresses it should not be expected to survive on tank leftovers.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, gregarious bottom-dwelling catfish best kept in a group. It mixes well with small peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras and Otocinclus. Aggressive cichlids should be avoided. Seriously Fish notes that females are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males, particularly when carrying eggs.
Breeding
Corydoras aeneus is an egg-depositor. Seriously Fish reports spawning with a 2:1 male-to-female ratio, triggered by large water changes with cooler water and increased oxygenation, with incubation normally lasting 3-4 days. FishBase describes the classic 'T-position' mating, with females laying around 20 eggs per cycle.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern for the nominal species Corydoras aeneus (assessed 2018, per FishBase).