Gold Laser Corydoras (Corydoras melanotaenia) Care Guide

A beautiful corydoras featuring a bright metallic gold or green iridescent stripe running along the upper body, resembling a laser beam. The rest of the body shows a greenish-bronze sheen.

Overview

Corydoras melanotaenia is a species in the family Callichthyidae. A beautiful corydoras featuring a bright metallic gold or green iridescent stripe running along the upper body, resembling a laser beam. The rest of the body shows a greenish-bronze sheen. Hardy and does well in community tanks.

Taxonomy

Family: Callichthyidae
Genus: Corydoras
Scientific name: Corydoras melanotaenia
Other names: Green Laser Cory, CW009
Origin: South America, Colombia

Habitat

Native to the Madeira River basin in north-western Brazil, including the lower Río Madre de Dios in Bolivia and adjacent Peruvian Amazon. Inhabits soft, slightly acidic, sand-bottomed streams in primary rainforest. Both wild-caught and tank-bred specimens are widely traded.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L
Temperature: 22-27 °C
pH: 5.5-7.5
GH: 2-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 4-5.8 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Cherry Shrimp
Avoid with: Large Cichlids, Aggressive Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-depositor
Breeding difficulty: intermediate