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.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Bronze
The wild-type coloration featuring a metallic bronze to green sheen along the flanks. Extremely hardy and active.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Bronze, Green Corydoras, Wild Type
Albino
A ubiquitous and highly popular unpigmented morph. They share the exact same care requirements but have slightly poorer eyesight and may be more startled by sudden lighting changes.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Albino Cory, Pink Cory, Red Eye
Long Finned
A selectively bred morph with greatly extended fins. They require a slightly gentler current to avoid exhaustion and should not be kept with fin-nipping tank mates.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Hi-Fin, Long Fin Bronze, Veiltail Cory
Bronze Corydoras Care Summary
The Bronze Corydoras, scientifically known as Corydoras aeneus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 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 Bronze 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 27°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. To replicate their natural habitat, the tank should include sand (sifters).
As a schooling species, Bronze Corydoras should be kept in groups of at least 6. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Bronze, Albino, and Long Finned. 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.
Similar Species
Sterba's Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
A highly popular and peaceful schooling catfish known for its striking white-on-black spotted pattern and bright orange pectoral fins. Uniquely among Corydoras, they thrive in higher temperatures, making them excellent bottom-dwelling companions for warm-water species like Discus. They are obligate shoalers and must be kept on fine sand to prevent the erosion and infection of their delicate barbels.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish easily identified by its black eye patches and spotted dorsal/tail fins, resembling a giant panda. Native to the cooler waters of the Ucayali river system in Peru, they require slightly lower temperatures than many standard tropical community fish. They are strict bottom-dwellers that sift through the substrate for food.
Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
An extremely active, striking silver catfish with black spots and incredibly long barbels, native to South America. While peaceful toward similarly sized tank mates, they are highly effective nocturnal predators that will easily swallow small fish (like Neon Tetras) whole. They are scaleless and possess sharp pectoral spines that can easily become entangled in aquarium nets.
Goldfish (Comet / Common)
Carassius auratus
One of the most commonly kept and misunderstood fish in the hobby. Single-tailed goldfish (Comets, Commons, Shubunkins) are fast-growing, highly active coldwater fish that produce enormous amounts of waste. They are best suited for ponds or massive aquariums. They will uproot plants, sift substrate constantly, and eat anything that fits in their mouths.
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
A highly active, schooling cyprinid famous for its striking black stripes and infamous reputation as a fin-nipper. They are boisterous and must be kept in larger groups (6+) to keep their pecking order internal. They should never be housed with slow-moving or long-finned tankmates like Bettas, Guppies, or Angelfish.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
A stunning schooling fish native to the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. Famous for its brilliant iridescent blue line and a vivid red stripe that extends the full length of its body (distinguishing it from the Neon Tetra). They are strictly schooling fish that thrive in warm, acidic blackwater environments.