Green Gold Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from the Amazon basin in Colombia (Meta River). Prefers environments with weak to moderate water currents, sheltered by dense marsh vegetation where the waters, from clear to amber (blackwater), flow over sandy carpets and leaf litter.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Corydoras belonging to the Callichthyidae family. Often known as the "Green Gold Corydoras". With its 5.5 cm (2.2 inches), it is a medium-sized species with a round snout and compact profile. Morphology and livery have long been confused with C. aeneus (albino or green).

Social Behavior: Sociability and harmlessness are its dominant traits. Breeding of at least 6-8 specimens of the same species is mandatory. Isolated or in small numbers, it settles on the bottom without moving, perishing prematurely due to encirclement stress.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Entirely bronzed/golden body ("Green Gold") covered with obvious and marked yellow/green metallic mottling on the flanks (iridescence). It does not possess distinct spots or masks. Females are remarkably stockier and gravid, while males maintain more aerodynamic lines.

Aquarium Setup: Demands a fine sand bottom to facilitate exploration with its delicate tactile barbels. Insert rich perimeter planting (Echinodorus), and shade the tank abundantly with floating plants and intricate woody complexes.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous by nature, willingly consumes micro-fauna and insects in nature. The aquarist must administer daily protein pellets and wafers, strictly and insistently varying with white worms, live or frozen tubifex, and bloodworms.

Water Quality: Extremely sensitive to bacterial putrescence. Temperatures from 22 to 26°C (72-79°F). The pH should settle on weakly acidic or neutral values (6.0 - 7.2), in combination with a soft GH (2-12). Powerful filtration but without excessive mechanical turbulence on the bottom.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Relates excellently in a temperate South American community aquarium with minute species: Nannostomus, hatchetfish, pelagic Tetras, Otocinclus, or mild-mannered Apistogramma. Any pairing with large hunting predators should be avoided.

Aquarium Reproduction: Typical "pluvial" induction: a sharp drop in temperature (30-40% cold water changes) accompanied by intense administrations of live food. Lays dozens of eggs on the glass (T-position). The predatory instinct towards the eggs is marked.

Risks and Diseases: In addition to the inexorable amputation of the barbels caused by crushed quartz, ichthyophthiriasis is frequent if lethargic thermal stresses are suffered. Very serious and fatal sensitivity to medicinal dosages with formalin or Copper that are not halved.