Venezuela Corydora

The Venezuelan Corydora (Corydoras venezuelanus or related variants like the Black Venezuelan Cory) is a peaceful, active bottom-dwelling schooling fish that reaches about 2.4 to 3 inches in size and lives for 5 to 10 years. Tank Requirements Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons (a 20-gallon long tank is preferred to provide ample bottom-foraging space). Substrate: Fine, soft sand or smooth, rounded gravel is mandatory to protect their sensitive barbels (whiskers) from getting scraped or infected. Avoid sharp or coarse substrates. Water Parameters: Temperature: 66°F – 79°F (22°C – 26°C) pH: 6.5 – 7.8 (neutral to slightly acidic/alkaline) Water Hardness: 2 – 15 dKH Include driftwood, smooth rocks, and dense plants or shade areas to make them feel secure. Provide clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle to moderate flow Social Behavior & Tank Mates Schooling: They are strictly social and must be kept in groups of at least 6 or more; keeping them alone causes severe stress. Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish make the best companions, such as tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids (like Rams or Apistogrammas), angelfish, and livebearers. Avoid aggressive or large fish that can swallow or bully them. Diet & Feeding Omnivorous Diet: Do not rely on them cleaning up leftover food alone; feed them dedicated sinking foods. Food Types: Sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, and protein-rich frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.