Venezuelan Orange Corydoras Aeneus 3cm Catfish

Overview

The Venezuelan Orange Cory, often listed as Corydoras venezuelanus, is a bronze cory relative with a warm orange body and a dark green to blue-black stripe along the flank. It comes from the Orinoco basin of Venezuela. It suits any peaceful community tank and keepers who want a colourful, hardy shoaling bottom dweller.

• Adult Size: Around 6–7 cm (2.5 in); females larger
• Lifespan: 5–8 years

Origin

• Native to: Orinoco river basin, Venezuela
• Habitat: Slow, sandy-bottomed rivers and streams

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous, bottom feeding
• Preferred Foods: Sinking pellets, catfish wafers, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, flake
• Feeding Habits: Feed daily; make sure food reaches the substrate

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small tetras, rasboras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, other corys
• Avoid: Large or aggressive fish that bully bottom dwellers

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and sociable
• Territoriality: None

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Sharp gravel damages barbels; keep water clean

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 5–15 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 80 litres for a group of six

Final Notes

Keep in a group of six or more over fine sand, with some shade from plants or wood. Like the bronze cory this is an easy species to breed: females grow plumper, and a cool water change often triggers spawning with eggs stuck to the glass. They regularly dash to the surface to gulp air, which is normal. Tough, active and cheerful, they are an ideal first cory.