Black Venezuela Corydoras (Corydoras schultzei Black Venezuela)
Black Venezuela Cory Catfish are a rare colour variation of Gold Flash Cory Catfish. This species was developed and line-bred by German aquarists in the 1990s and has since circulated to hobbyists worldwide. Still, it does not seem to be commercially bred as much as other common Corydoras species.
Black Venezuela Cory Catfish are a very peaceful, active and hardy species that makes a striking addition to any established community aquarium. However, these Corys are shoaling species in nature; therefore, it would be best to maintain them in a group of at least five individuals, preferably more.
Ideal tankmates for the Black Venezuela Cory Catfish could include smaller species such as Rasboras, small Barbs, Pencilfish, Dwarf Cichlids, Angelfish and Tetras. However, it is recommended that you do not house these Corys with larger, more boisterous or aggressive species as they may be intimidated and outcompeted for food.
Ideally, the aquarium should have plenty of shady areas; you can achieve this by adding things like driftwood, bogwood, and smooth rocks, as well as areas of dense planting. Unfortunately, these Corydoras can be slightly prone to barbel infections and erosion; therefore, it is essential that you keep these fish on a soft sandy substrate rather than gravel to protect these fragile sensory organs.
Routine maintenance, including frequent partial water changes, should be carried out to allow these fish to thrive.
The Black Venezuela Cory Catfish displays a black and dark maroon colouration across their entire body, and all their fins are a reddish colour that darkens as they mature.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras schultzei Black Venezuela |
| Other Names | Black Venezuela Cory Catfish, Black Cory, Black Schultzei |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | corydoras |
| Origins | Peru |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 5 - 8 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 15 |
| TDS | 36 - 268 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 72 - 82℉ 22.2 - 27.8℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Black Venezuela Corydoras will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
It is somewhat challenging to distinguish between the male and female Black Venezuela Cory Catfish. However, mature females seem to grow larger and appear much more rounded than the males when viewed from above, especially when they are full of eggs.