The Gold Laser Cory is a highly sought-after, undescribed species (or variant of the C. aeneus complex) native to Peru. They are renowned for the striking, neon-like golden-orange stripe running along their flanks. Like all Corydoras, they are peaceful, highly social bottom-dwellers that require a sandy substrate to safely sift for food without damaging their delicate sensory barbels.
Gold Laser Cory At a Glance
Gold Laser Cory Tank Requirements
Will Gold Laser Cory fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Gold Laser Cory needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Gold Laser Cory against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Gold Laser Cory Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Gold Laser Cory Temperament & Compatibility
Gold Laser Cory Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard commercial availability of the Gold Laser Cory. Typically sold unsexed in groups. Females grow slightly larger and plumper than males, but husbandry requirements are identical.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Unsexed
Gold Laser Cory Care Guide Summary
The Gold Laser Cory, scientifically known as Corydoras sp. 'CW010', belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6.5 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 Gold Laser Cory 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 Gold Laser Cory is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Gold Laser Cory is typically available in one standard form.
Gold Laser Cory Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Gold Laser Cory, 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Gold Laser Cory Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Gold Laser Cory 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.
Gold Laser Cory Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Gold Laser Cory.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Laser Cory
How big does Gold Laser Cory get?
Gold Laser Cory (Corydoras sp. 'CW010') typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Gold Laser Cory need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Gold Laser Cory. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Gold Laser Cory need?
Gold Laser Cory 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 Gold Laser Cory peaceful or aggressive?
Gold Laser Cory is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Gold Laser Cory should be kept together?
Gold Laser Cory 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 Gold Laser Cory have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Gold Laser Cory 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 Gold Laser Cory
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Gold Laser Cory based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Pygmy Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia pygmaea
Ideal Tank MatesPacific Blue Eye
Pseudomugil signifer
Ideal Tank MatesOgilby's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia ogilbyi
Ideal Tank MatesNorthern Mountain Swordtail
Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl
Ideal Tank MatesPearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
Ideal Tank MatesNew Guinea Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia affinis
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Gold Laser Cory
These plants pair well with Gold Laser Cory based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Gold Laser Cory
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.
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.
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.
Black Corydoras
Corydoras schultzei
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.
Duplicareus Corydoras
Corydoras duplicareus
A peaceful, highly social schooling catfish native to the upper Rio Negro basin in South America. They are easily identified by their bright orange patch on the snout and a broad black band running down their back. Like all Corydoras, they require soft sand to sift through without damaging their delicate sensory barbels.
Agassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling armored catfish native to the Amazon River basin. They are easily identified by their silvery body with dark spots and a distinct black mask over their eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft sand substrate is absolutely essential to protect their delicate sensory barbels as they forage.