The Black Cory is a striking, deeply melanistic morph of Corydoras schultzei (often confused with C. aeneus). These peaceful, armored bottom-dwellers are highly social and must be kept in large groups to thrive. A soft sand substrate is absolutely critical to prevent damage to their sensitive foraging barbels.
Black Corydoras At a Glance
Black Corydoras Tank Requirements
Will Black Corydoras fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Black Corydoras needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Black Corydoras against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Black Corydoras Water Parameters
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Black Corydoras Temperament & Compatibility
Black Corydoras Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Black Morph (Standard)
The highly sought-after melanistic variation. They boast a deep black/charcoal body, sometimes with reddish-brown fins. Extremely peaceful.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Venezuela Black, Schultzei Black
Longfin Black Morph
A selectively bred variation featuring elongated fins. They require a gentler water flow and an environment free of sharp decorations that could tear their fins.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Longfin Black Cory, Hi-fin
Wild Type (Gold Dust)
The natural wild coloration of C. schultzei, typically featuring a dark body with a striking gold or metallic green stripe.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Gold Dust Cory, Peru Cory
Black Corydoras Care Guide Summary
The Black Corydoras, scientifically known as Corydoras schultzei, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Black Corydoras requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Black Corydoras is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Black Morph (Standard), Longfin Black Morph, and Wild Type (Gold Dust). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Black Corydoras Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Black Corydoras, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour.
Black Corydoras Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Black Corydoras is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Black Corydoras Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Black Corydoras.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Black Corydoras
How big does Black Corydoras get?
Black Corydoras (Corydoras schultzei) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Black Corydoras need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Black Corydoras. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Black Corydoras need?
Black Corydoras thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–26°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Black Corydoras peaceful or aggressive?
Black Corydoras is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Black Corydoras should be kept together?
Black Corydoras is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Black Corydoras have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Black Corydoras benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Black Corydoras
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Black Corydoras based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesExquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
Ideal Tank MatesEastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Ideal Tank MatesCrimsonspotted Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia duboulayi
Ideal Tank MatesCorona Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia corona
Ideal Tank MatesDusky Millions Fish
Phalloceros caudimaculatus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Black Corydoras
These plants pair well with Black Corydoras based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Black Corydoras
Black Fin Cory
Corydoras leucomelas
A peaceful schooling catfish native to the Amazon basin, easily identified by its black dorsal fin and a dark mask-like band across its eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are bottom-dwellers that use sensitive barbels to forage. They possess a modified intestine allowing them to gulp atmospheric air, so occasional darts to the surface are normal. They are highly social and require a soft sandy substrate to prevent barbel erosion.
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Corydoras loxozonus
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish native to the Rio Meta basin in Colombia. Known for the distinctive diagonal black stripe across its back and a mask over its eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft, sandy substrate is strictly required to prevent damage to their delicate barbels as they sift for food.
Bandit Cory
Corydoras metae
A highly social, peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish endemic to the Rio Meta basin in Colombia. Instantly recognizable by the black 'bandit' mask over its eyes and the dark ridge stripe along its back. Like all Corydoras, they must be kept on a soft sand substrate to prevent severe damage and infection to their sensitive foraging barbels. They are schooling fish that require groups of at least 6 to thrive and display natural behavior.
Asher Cory
Corydoras tukano
A striking and relatively uncommon small Corydoras originating from the blackwater Rio Tiquié in the upper Rio Negro basin. Known for its prominent vertical black bands across a pale tan or golden body. Like all Corydoras, they are completely peaceful, highly social bottom dwellers that must be kept in groups. A fine sand substrate is absolutely critical to prevent damage to their delicate barbels as they constantly sift for food.
True Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
A highly sought-after, peaceful schooling catfish native to the lower Amazon. They feature distinctive fine black dots on their heads (unlike the reticulated, maze-like lines of the commonly mislabeled 'False Julii', C. trilineatus) and a black-tipped dorsal fin. As obligate bottom-dwellers, they continuously sift through the substrate and strictly require soft sand to prevent erosion and infection of their delicate sensory barbels. They are highly gregarious and must be kept in groups.
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish known for its armor-like scales (scutes) and active bottom-feeding behavior. They are essential clean-up crew members but require a dedicated sinking diet (not just leftovers). Sand substrate is strictly required to prevent erosion and infection of their sensitive barbels. They are 'gut breathers' and will occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air.