Venezuelan Orange Corydoras (Corydoras venezuelanus)
The Orange Venezuelan Corydoras is a very peaceful and active fish that will adapt to most freshwater conditions as long as you regularly maintain the aquarium and avoid sudden changes in water parameters. These fish are definitive scavengers that will inhabit and feed on the bottom of the aquarium. These Corys are ideal for an established subtropical community aquarium and would be best maintained in groups of 6 or more individuals due to their shoaling nature.
Ideal tankmates for the Orange Venezuelan Corydoras would be peaceful fish that enjoy similar water conditions. These could include Dwarf Cichlids like Electric Blue Rams, Cardinal Tetras, Angelfish, Common Otocinclus, Rasboras, White Cloud Mountain Minnows and Danios. These Corys may prey on some smaller dwarf shrimp, but larger shrimps such as the Amano Shrimp and most other peaceful ornamental invertebrates should be fine. However, if you intend to breed these Corys, you should keep them in a species-only aquarium.
Orange Venezuelan Corydoras will thrive in an aquarium with a sand substrate, or very smooth gravel as coarse substrate can damage its delicate barbels and underbelly. It would benefit your Corys if you provided them with plenty of shady areas using driftwood, rocks, and areas of thick planting. Additionally, these fish will need areas with moderate water movement and proper oxygenation. Lastly, filtration should be efficient, and standard maintenance, including regular partial water changes, must be performed to keep these fish in excellent condition.
The Orange Venezuelan Corydras has a large, greenish-blue black oval spot covering the shoulder, a bright orange colour along its back as it matures and a distinguishable, iridescent brownish-red spot on the back of the neck.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras venezuelanus |
| Year Described | 1911 |
| Other Names | Venezuela's Corydoras, Orange Venezuelan Catfish, Orange Cory |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Venezuela |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | up to 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 8 - 12 |
| TDS | 36 - 268 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 65 - 80℉ 18.3 - 26.7℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Venezuelan Orange 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 can be somewhat challenging to distinguish the males from female Orange Venezuelan Corydoras, especially when they are juveniles. However, females are usually slightly bigger, rounder and broader-bodied than males when full of eggs. In contrast, the males are somewhat smaller and slimmer than the females.