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Maximum size : 7 cm
Bronze Corydoras - Corydoras Aeneus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
Bronze Corydoras, (Corydoras Aeneus), are a captivating addition to any freshwater aquarium. These small, peaceful Catfish are easy to care for and incredibly resilient, making them ideal for both novice and experienced aquarists alike. In their natural habitat, Bronze Corydoras are shoaling fish, so it's best to keep them in groups of at least six individuals, preferably more. This will ensure that your fish feel comfortable and secure, leading to a more natural and engaging display. When it comes to tankmates, small to medium-sized Characins and Cyprinids, Gouramis, Dwarf Cichlids, and other peaceful Catfish make excellent companions for Bronze Corydoras. However, it's crucial to avoid housing them with aggressive or large species that may intimidate or harm them. To create an ideal environment for your Bronze Corydoras, the aquarium should be well-planted with some driftwood for hiding, and a sandy substrate is recommended. Additionally, these fish require a sound filtration system and moderate water flow to keep them healthy and thriving. The body of the Bronze Corydoras is elongated and armoured due to the presence of bony plates on its sides. The primary body colour is bronze, which can range from light to dark shades or even brown. The sides of the body may have a slight greenish tint, and the head is large and flattened, also covered in bony plates. The transparent fins may have a slight orange or reddish tint, adding a beautiful contrast to their appearance.Bronze Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Bronze Corydoras can be challenging as there are few obvious physical differences. Typically, females are larger, slimmer, and exhibit less vibrant colouration than males. Females also have a higher body frame than males, along with a more prominent abdominal region.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Corydoras Aeneus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1858 |
| Other Names | Brown Cory, Bronze catfish, Bronze Cory |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Venezuela Argentina Colombia Trinidad and Tobago |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 5 - 8 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 8 - 12 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 75 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23.9 - 26.7 |
Natural habitat
Bronze Corydoras can be found in several South American countries, including Argentina, Columbia, Venezuela, and Trinidad, and they thrive in the Rio de la Plata Basin on the Eastern side of the Andes. One of the most interesting aspects of the Bronze Corydoras is their preferred habitat. They tend to inhabit quiet, shallow, slow-moving rivers and streams with soft muddy bottoms. If you're planning a trip to South America, keep an eye out for these delightful little fish in these unique aquatic environments. Their presence will undoubtedly enhance your experience and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Rio de la Plata - Argentina
How to breed the Bronze Corydoras
Breeding Bronze Corydoras is a relatively straightforward process. However, before breeding, it is crucial to condition them with a diet consisting of fresh or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and high-quality flake food. The optimal water conditions for breeding are slightly acidic, and rainwater is a common choice. To induce spawning, a 50% water change with colder water than the breeding tank is necessary. If this proves unsuccessful, mimicking rain by slowly adding water to the tank with a sprinkler motion often does the trick. The Longfin Bronze Corydoras become quite active during courtship. Males pursue females throughout the aquarium, frequently rubbing their bodies and barbels against the female. Once the female consents, the male will search for suitable egg-laying sites and thoroughly clean several fitting locations. As the courting progresses, the roles ultimately reverse, and the female starts seeking the male. Spawning commences when the pair assumes the classic T position, triggering the release of sperm and one to ten eggs, which the female grips with her pelvic fins. Once fertilized, the female deposits the eggs at the pre-cleaned site. The eggs are sticky and securely adhere to the nesting site. This ritual continues for several days, with the female releasing a few eggs at a time until all the eggs have been laid. After spawning is complete, the adults should be removed from the tank, or the eggs can be moved to a grow-out tank to prevent them from being eaten by the parents. Initially, the eggs are translucent but will gradually darken as they develop. After approximately four to five days, the eggs begin to hatch and feed off the yolk sac for an additional three to four days until they have consumed it. At this point, providing the fry with very fine powdered food or infusoria is crucial to their survival.Diet & feeding
In the home aquarium, Bronze Corydoras have a flexible diet that consists of both plant and animal matter. High-quality dried foods such as granules, flakes, and sinking pellets can provide all the necessary nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements. These foods have been developed to include a balanced mix of essential nutrients for optimal health. While not necessary, feeding live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as mini bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week can provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being. These foods offer a more varied and natural diet that can help promote better growth, colouration, and overall health. To mimic their natural feeding habits, you can supplement your Bronze Corydoras' diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. These can be added to the tank as a treat or even as a part of their regular diet. However, it is crucial not to overfeed your fish and remove any leftover food promptly to avoid fouling the water.Other Corydoras you maybe interested in
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