Scientific name: Corydoras aeneus

Common name: Bronze cory

Family: Callichthyidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 8 cm (2.36 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.8 - 7.7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 29 °C (71.6 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food

Bronze Corys are omnivores that will accept a variety of foods offered to them. They will accept flakes, pellets, live and frozen foods.

Sexing

When viewed from the top mature males will appear smaller and slimmer than females.

Breeding

Bronze Corys should be kept in groups of 6 or more so that pairs can be formed. Condition the pairs with foods high in protein in order to induce spawning. The female will clean a spot where she will plant her fertilized eggs. The eggs will hatch in approximately 4 to 5 days and the fry will become free swimming after 3 more days. Feed them powdered fry foods until they are large enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The Bronze Cory can live for up to 5 years.

Origin

Corydoras aeneus is native to most of South America including some of the islands off the coast.

Short Description

The Bronze Cory has armor like scales that overlap to provide optimal protection for their skin. Another form of defense is their locking spine which makes them hard to swallow by predators. This spine can also cause them to get stuck in a net while being captured so special care must be taken when removing them from the tank.