Bronze Corydoras
Also known as: Bronze Cory, Corydoras aeneus
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish that loves company.
- Peaceful
- Social
- Active
- Hardy
- Curious
The bronze corydoras is a small, peaceful catfish from South America that spends its time sifting through the substrate. Corydoras are hardy, sociable and great for community tanks, but they must be kept in groups and need a soft substrate to protect their barbels.
At a glance
- Origin
- South America
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 0.1–0.2 oz (2–5 g)
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Coat
- Armoured plates
- Colours
- Bronze, Albino
- Average cost
- $10–$25 / month
Breed ratings
Rated 1–5 on the same scale as every other entry, so scores are comparable between breeds. Amber stars mark things that cost you effort rather than things that benefit you.
Temperament
Corydoras are peaceful and social, thriving in groups.
Care & upkeep
Exercise
A group of 6+ in at least 60 litres with soft substrate.
Grooming
Not applicable — keep the substrate clean.
Training
Not trainable, though they learn feeding times.
Feeding & diet
- Typical diet
- Sinking omnivore diet
- Daily amount
- Sinking pellets or wafers daily
- Meals per day
- Once daily
Make sure food reaches the bottom — they need dedicated sinking food.
Foods to avoid
- Relying on leftovers
- Sharp gravel
- Overfeeding
- Uncycled tanks
Who this breed suits
A good match for
- Community tanks
- Beginner aquarists
- Apartments
Probably not for
- Tanks with sharp gravel
- Single-fish setups
Common health problems
This section describes conditions the breed is known to be predisposed to, so you know what to ask about. It is not veterinary advice and is not a diagnosis — always speak to a vet about your own animal.
- Damaged barbelsCaused by sharp substrate or poor water quality.
- IchA parasite triggered by stress or temperature swings.
- Bacterial infectionsLinked to poor water quality.
Soft substrate is essential for barbel health.
Interesting facts
- Corydoras can gulp air from the surface.
- They often blink by rolling their eyes.
- Females carry eggs between their pelvic fins.
Diet & Feeding
Feed sinking pellets or wafers, plus frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp a few times a week. Make sure food reaches the bottom — they are not scavengers that survive on leftovers.
Tank & Water Requirements
Keep at least 6 in a group in a tank of at least 60 litres. Water should be 22–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, with gentle filtration.
Tank Maintenance
Use sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels. Change 25% of the water weekly and test ammonia and nitrite regularly.
Health & Vet Care
Watch for damaged barbels (from sharp substrate or poor water), ich and bacterial infections.
Living with Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras are peaceful and social. They are fascinating to watch as they move together across the bottom.