Venezuelan Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Orinoco River basin (Venezuela). Lives in calm waters well shaded by riparian trees, on soft sandy bottoms or covered with mud and sediments.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Venezuelan Corydoras (Corydoras venezuelanus). Belongs to the "aeneus group" and for a long time was considered only a geographical variant of C. aeneus. Has a high and compressed body.

Social Behavior: Sociable and very active in groups (minimum 6-8). They do not bother any inhabitant of the tank and communicate by swimming in perfect synchrony if alarmed or during courtship.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Two famous ecotypes: the "Orange" variant has a flashy orange saddle on a blue-black background; the "Black" variant (often called C. schultzei black) is entirely velvet black / dark charcoal. Very round and larger females.

Aquarium Setup: Sand is an indisputable prerequisite. Insert intricate branches (Red Moor), dry leaves (Catappa/Oak) to create dark corners. The "Black" variant stands out impressively on light sand ambered by tannins.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous and undemanding bottom feeder. Grabs the granules on the bottom before they dissolve, also loving the tabs adhesive to the glass, bloodworms, tubifex and brine shrimp. They eat vigorously brushing everything.

Water Quality: Excellently rustic. Shares the fame of C. aeneus for its extreme adaptability to chemical and thermal parameters. However, avoid tanks polluted by nitrites or ammonia.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfect in South American communities, has no fears but respects very small fish (e.g. Neons). Ideal combined with Ancistrus, schooling Characins and Dwarf Cichlids (Ramirezi).

Aquarium Reproduction: Prolific breeder. Driven by massive changes and thermal drops, the female can glue up to 200 fertilized eggs on the glass, which must be removed to save them.

Risks and Diseases: The only problems (loss of barbels) are introduced by incorrect practices such as the use of siliceous crushed stone.