Orange Venezulan Cory (1”+)

Scientific Name

Corydoras aeneus (commonly known as the Venezuelan Orange Cory, a color variant of the Bronze Corydoras).

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Size: Around 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)

• Lifespan: Typically 5–7 years, with proper care some may live closer to 10 years.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care

• Tank Size: A 20-gallon or larger is recommended, as these are active bottom dwellers that thrive in groups.

• Schooling Requirement: Keep in groups of at least 6 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Water Changes: Perform 25–35% weekly water changes to maintain water quality and oxygenation.

• Substrate: Use fine sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels from injury. Provide hiding spots with driftwood, caves, and plants.

Tankmates

• Peaceful community fish such as:

  • Small tetras (neon, cardinal, ember, etc.), Rasboras and danios, Livebearers (guppies, platies, mollies, swordtails), Other peaceful bottom dwellers like kuhli loaches and otocinclus

• Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous fish that may outcompete or nip at them (e.g., large cichlids, tiger barbs if aggressive).

Diet

• Omnivorous with a preference for bottom foods.

• Feed a varied diet:

  • High-quality sinking pellets and wafers

  • Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and tubifex

  • Occasional blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, peas)

• They will scavenge, but should not be relied on solely as “clean-up crew.”

Overview

The Orange Venezuelan Cory is a brightly colored variant of the hardy Bronze Corydoras, cherished for its vivid orange-gold body and peaceful nature. They are social, active bottom dwellers that do best in groups and make excellent additions to planted community aquariums. Their playful behavior, constant foraging, and bright coloration make them both functional and attractive in the home aquarium.

Natural Environment

In the wild, Corydoras aeneus are found across South America, particularly in slow-moving rivers and floodplain areas of Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad. They inhabit soft-bottomed streams, ponds, and marshy areas, often shaded by vegetation. The Orange Venezuelan morph is a selectively bred aquarium strain, but it shares the same ecological traits as its wild relatives.

Breeding

• Spawning Setup: A separate 15–20 gallon breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.5–7.0, temperature 74–77°F). Provide flat surfaces like plant leaves or glass walls for egg laying.

• Triggering Breeding: Simulate the rainy season with larger, cooler water changes (a few degrees cooler than tank water).

• Spawning Behavior: Males chase females, which then adopt the classic “T-position” for fertilization. Eggs are laid on glass, plants, or decorations.

• Egg Care: Adults will eat eggs, so either remove eggs or transfer the adults. Eggs hatch in 3–5 days.

• Raising Fry: Feed fry with infusoria or liquid fry food, then progress to baby brine shrimp and microworms.