Bronze Corydoras

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus
• Common Names: Bronze Corydoras, Bronze Catfish, Green Corydoras
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: South America, particularly found in rivers and floodplains in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Bronze Corys typically grow to around 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm) in length.
• Coloration: Their coloration can vary from a metallic bronze or greenish body to shades of brown or gray, with an iridescent sheen that changes with lighting. Their underside is typically lighter.
• Body Shape: Like other Corydoras species, they have a rounded body with a flattened underside. They have short whisker-like barbels near their mouths, used to help them search for food along the substrate.
• Fins: The fins are generally transparent, with a darker shading toward the body.

Behavior

• Temperament: Bronze Corys are peaceful, social fish that do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species. They are particularly known for their friendly nature and their ability to live in harmony with a variety of tank mates.
• Sociability: They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of 5 or more. They tend to be more active and confident when kept in larger groups.
• Activity: These fish are bottom-dwellers, spending much of their time scurrying along the substrate, searching for food. They occasionally swim to the surface to gulp air, thanks to their ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen using their modified intestines.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a group of Bronze Corys.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
  • Water Hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
• Substrate: Use soft sand or fine gravel to protect their sensitive barbels from injury.
• Tank Setup:
  • Include plants, driftwood, and caves to create hiding spots.
  • Open areas should be left for foraging, as these fish spend a lot of time scouring the substrate.
  • A gentle water flow is preferred to mimic their natural habitat of slow-moving waters.

Diet

• Feeding: Bronze Corys are omnivores with a diverse diet. They primarily feed at the bottom of the tank.
  • They should be given sinking pellets, algae wafers, or catfish-specific food.
  • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • They will also scavenge for uneaten food, helping to keep the tank clean.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed once or twice daily, ensuring that food reaches the bottom for them to consume.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Bronze Corys are relatively easy to breed in home aquariums.
  • Spawning Conditions: Slightly cooler water and frequent water changes can trigger spawning behavior. Females will lay eggs on the glass, plants, or other surfaces, and the males will fertilize them.
  • Once the eggs are laid, it's advisable to remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
  • The eggs hatch in 3 to 5 days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed food.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Bronze Corydoras are very peaceful and can be kept with a wide range of community fish such as:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Guppies
  • Dwarf Cichlids
  • Other Corydoras species or peaceful bottom-dwellers like Plecos and Otocinclus.
  • Avoid aggressive or large predatory fish that may harm them.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Bronze Corydoras can live for 5 to 10 years or longer in a well-maintained aquarium.

Health Considerations

• Common Health Issues:
  • Barbel injuries due to rough substrate can lead to infections. A soft substrate is essential.
  • They are susceptible to Ich and fin rot if water quality is poor.
• Prevention: Ensure clean, well-filtered water and a proper diet to avoid most health issues.

Interesting Facts

1. Adaptability: Bronze Corys are very adaptable fish, able to tolerate a wide range of water conditions, which contributes to their popularity in the hobby.
2. Air Breathers: Like many Corydoras species, Bronze Corys have a unique ability to breathe air from the surface. They do this by gulping air, which is absorbed through their modified intestines.
3. Schooling Nature: When kept in schools, Corydoras are often more active and display more natural behavior. They are known for their amusing and energetic group foraging habits.
4. Armored: They are often referred to as "armored catfish" because of the bony plates that cover their bodies, protecting them from predators.