Longfin Green Cory

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus (Longfin Green Variant)
• Common Names: Longfin Green Cory, Longfin Green Aeneus Cory, Longfin Cory Catfish
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: Native to South America, found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and floodplains in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Similar to standard Corydoras, reaching about 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm) in length, though their fins are longer and more prominent.
• Coloration: The body of the Longfin Green Cory is a metallic bronze or greenish sheen, similar to the standard Green Aeneus, but its flowing fins add a more dramatic appearance.
• Fins: The standout feature is the elongated fins, particularly the dorsal and pectoral fins, which give the fish a graceful and flowing appearance. The fins are typically translucent but can have slight green or bronze tinges that match the body.

Behavior

• Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive, the Longfin Green Cory is perfect for community tanks. They prefer to be kept in groups of 5 or more, where they exhibit schooling behavior and are more active.
• Bottom-Dwellers: They spend most of their time foraging along the substrate for food and will occasionally swim to the surface to gulp air.
• Activity Level: Like other Corydoras, they are very active bottom feeders, often seen sifting through the substrate in search of food.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A group of Longfin Green Corys requires a minimum of 20 gallons to provide enough space to swim and forage.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH: 6.0 to 7.5
  • Hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
• Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel is essential to protect their delicate barbels. Avoid sharp substrates.
• Tank Setup:
  • Provide plenty of plants, driftwood, and caves for hiding and resting.
  • Leave open areas for foraging.
  • Low to moderate water flow is preferred.

Diet

• Omnivorous: They will eat a variety of foods, including:
  • Sinking pellets or bottom feeder tablets
  • Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp
  • Vegetable matter such as algae wafers
• Feed them once or twice daily, ensuring food reaches the substrate where they feed.

Breeding

• Spawning Behavior: Breeding Longfin Green Corydoras is similar to standard Green Corys.
  • Spawning Conditions: Cooler water changes and an increase in food can trigger breeding. Females lay eggs on smooth surfaces like tank glass or plants.
  • Egg Hatching: The eggs hatch in about 3 to 5 days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: These peaceful fish do well with other non-aggressive species like:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Small livebearers
  • Other Corydoras species
  • Avoid larger, aggressive fish that may nip their long fins or outcompete them for food.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 5 to 10 years, with long fins requiring extra care to prevent damage.

Interesting Facts

1. Long Fins: The elongated fins of the Longfin Green Cory give it a more graceful appearance, making it stand out among other Corydoras.
2. Air Breathing: Like other Corydoras, they can gulp air from the surface to supplement oxygen intake.
3. Armored Body: Instead of scales, they have bony plates that provide protection, making them quite hardy.

Health Considerations

• Fin Health: Due to their long fins, these fish are more prone to fin damage or fin rot if water quality is poor. Keeping the water clean and stable will help prevent these issues.
• Barbel Erosion: Sharp or rough substrates can cause barbel erosion, so it’s important to use soft sand or fine gravel.