Gold Stripe Bronze Cory

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus
• Common Names: Gold Stripe Bronze Cory, Gold Line Corydoras
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: Native to South America, found in slow-moving rivers and floodplains in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Typically reaches 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm) in length.
• Coloration: The body is primarily a metallic bronze or greenish-bronze color, with a prominent gold stripe running from the head to the tail along the dorsal area. This gold stripe gives the fish a striking contrast, making it stand out in aquariums.
• Body Shape: They have a rounded, streamlined body with a slightly flattened underside and short barbels near the mouth for foraging along the substrate.
• Fins: The fins are transparent to slightly dusky and, like other Corys, are small and rounded.

Behavior

• Temperament: Gold Stripe Bronze Corys are extremely peaceful, making them perfect tank mates for a wide range of community fish. They are non-aggressive and highly social.
• Schooling Fish: Like other Corydoras, they are best kept in groups of 5 or more, where they exhibit more natural and active behavior. They enjoy foraging together and feel more secure in numbers.
• Activity Level: Bottom-dwellers, they spend most of their time foraging for food along the tank substrate but will occasionally swim to the surface to gulp air.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a group.
• 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: Soft sand or fine gravel is essential to protect their delicate barbels from injury.
• Tank Setup:
  • Provide plenty of hiding places like plants, driftwood, and caves.
  • Ensure there are open areas for foraging and maintain low water flow to mimic their natural environment.

Diet

• Omnivorous: They will readily consume a variety of foods.
  • Feed them sinking pellets, algae wafers, and bottom feeder tablets.
  • Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • They will also clean up uneaten food from the tank, though they should not be relied upon solely for this purpose.

Breeding

• Spawning Behavior: The Gold Stripe Bronze Cory is a relatively easy fish to breed in aquariums.
  • Spawning Conditions: Frequent water changes and slightly cooler water may trigger spawning. Females lay eggs on smooth surfaces, and the male fertilizes them.
  • Remove adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs hatch in 3 to 5 days, and fry can be fed finely crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Gold Stripe Bronze Corys are ideal for community tanks and can coexist with small, peaceful species such as:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Dwarf Gouramis
  • Guppies
  • Other small bottom-dwellers like Plecos and Otocinclus.
  • Avoid large, aggressive fish that may prey on them.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 5 to 10 years.

Interesting Facts

1. Gold Stripe Feature: The gold stripe is a rare and attractive feature that adds uniqueness to this Corydoras species.
2. Air Breathing: Like other Corydoras, they can gulp air from the surface, utilizing a specialized adaptation to breathe atmospheric oxygen.
3. Armored Protection: They have bony plates instead of scales, which provide protection against predators.