Green Corydoras

Overview

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

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Typically grows to 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm) in length.
• Coloration: The Green Corydoras has a base color of bronze to light brown with an iridescent green or metallic sheen along its body, especially along the flanks and back. The intensity of the green can vary depending on lighting and individual specimens.
• Body Shape: Similar to other Corydoras species, the Green Cory has a stocky, rounded body with a slightly flattened belly. It features short barbels around its mouth to help it forage.
• Fins: The fins are typically transparent to slightly shaded, and their shape is compact and rounded.

Behavior

• Temperament: Like all Corydoras, the Green Cory is very peaceful and makes an ideal tank mate in a community aquarium. It’s known for its friendly nature and social behavior.
• Schooling Fish: They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5 or more. When in groups, they display more active and confident behavior.
• Activity: Green Corys are bottom-dwellers, spending most of their time foraging along the substrate for food. They are particularly known for their constant movement, scouring the bottom for scraps and leftovers.
• Air Gulping: These fish have the ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen, occasionally swimming to the surface to gulp air using their modified intestines.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Green 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: Soft, sandy substrate is ideal, as it helps protect their sensitive barbels from injury.
• Tank Setup:
  • Include plants, driftwood, and rocks to create hiding spots.
  • Keep open areas in the tank for foraging and make sure the water flow is gentle.
  • Low lighting or subdued lighting will enhance their metallic green sheen.

Diet

• Omnivorous: Green Corydoras will eat a wide variety of foods, especially those that sink to the bottom.
  • They can be fed sinking pellets, algae wafers, and other catfish-specific foods.
  • They enjoy live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • They also scavenge leftover food, contributing to the tank's cleanliness.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed once or twice daily, ensuring that food reaches the substrate for them to consume.

Breeding

• Spawning: Green Corydoras are relatively easy to breed, with similar breeding behavior to other Corydoras species.
  • Spawning Conditions: To induce breeding, cooler water changes may be needed. Females will lay eggs on smooth surfaces such as glass or plants, and males fertilize them.
  • Egg Care: The eggs hatch in about 3 to 5 days, and the fry can be raised on fine crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Green Corydoras are highly compatible with many peaceful community fish, including:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Livebearers like Guppies or Mollies
  • Other Corydoras species
  • Plecos and other small catfish
  • Avoid large or aggressive species that may harm them.

Lifespan

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

Interesting Facts

1. Adaptation to Low Oxygen: The Green Corydoras, like other Cory species, has a special ability to breathe air from the surface, allowing them to survive in water with low oxygen levels.
2. Social Behavior: They are happiest and most active when kept in schools, where they will often group together while foraging or resting.
3. Armored Catfish: The Green Cory has a protective layer of bony plates (scutes) instead of scales, offering extra defense against predators.

Health Considerations

• Common Issues: Green Corydoras can suffer from barbel erosion if kept on rough or sharp substrate. Keep the substrate smooth to prevent injury.
• They are also prone to common aquarium diseases like Ich or fin rot, particularly if water quality is poor.