Orange Venezuela Cory

Corydoras – Care Guide & Aquarium Companions

Corydoras are peaceful, social and active freshwater catfish that spend most of their time exploring the bottom of the aquarium. Known for their friendly behaviour and distinctive appearance, they are one of the most popular bottom-dwelling fish for community aquariums.

Popular varieties include Sterbai Corydoras, Panda Corydoras, Julii Corydoras, Bronze Corydoras, Albino Corydoras, Pygmy Corydoras and many more.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size:
A minimum of around 50–60 litres is suitable for many smaller Corydoras species. Larger groups and larger varieties benefit from additional floor space.

Water Temperature:
Generally 22°C – 28°C, depending on the species.

pH Range:
Approximately 6.0 – 7.5.

Substrate:
Fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel is highly recommended. Corydoras regularly search through the substrate for food, so sharp gravel should be avoided as it may damage their sensitive barbels.

Aquarium Setup:
Corydoras do well in planted community aquariums with:

• Fine sand or smooth substrate

• Live plants

• Driftwood

• Rocks and hiding areas

• Open bottom space for foraging

• Good filtration and oxygenation

Clean water and regular aquarium maintenance are important for keeping Corydoras healthy.

Feeding

Although Corydoras search the bottom for food, they should not be treated only as aquarium cleaners. They require their own nutritious diet.

Suitable foods include:

• Sinking catfish pellets

• Bottom-feeder wafers

• Bloodworms

• Brine shrimp

• Daphnia

• Tubifex

• Frozen and live foods

Feed enough sinking food to ensure they receive proper nutrition after other fish have been fed.

Behaviour & Grouping

Corydoras are highly social fish and should ideally be kept in groups of at least 6 or more of the same or similar species.

When kept in groups, they become more active and confident and display natural schooling and foraging behaviour.

They are extremely peaceful and rarely cause problems with other aquarium inhabitants.

Suitable Tank Companions

Corydoras can usually be kept with:

Tetras • Rasboras • Rams • Gouramis • Danios • Peaceful Barbs • Rainbowfish • Small Plecos • Peaceful Loaches • Shrimp • Snails and other peaceful community fish

Always choose companions with similar water-temperature requirements.

Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive or predatory fish that may injure or constantly harass them.

Important Note

Different Corydoras species have different temperature requirements. Some prefer cooler conditions, while varieties such as Sterbai Corydoras can tolerate warmer community aquariums.

Corydoras occasionally swim quickly to the water surface to take a gulp of air. This can be normal natural behaviour, as they are capable of intestinal air breathing.

With clean water, a soft substrate, proper feeding and a suitable group size, Corydoras are peaceful and entertaining bottom dwellers that make an excellent addition to most freshwater community aquariums.