The Olga Cory is a peaceful, long-snouted schooling catfish from the Meta river basin in Colombia. It features a creamy bronze body with a distinct dark band running along its back and a vertical stripe over the eye. Like all Corydoras, it is an energetic bottom-dweller that requires fine sand to sift through without damaging its delicate barbels.
Olga Cory At a Glance
Olga Cory Tank Requirements
Will Olga Cory fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Olga Cory needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Olga Cory against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Olga Cory Water Parameters
Olga Cory Temperament & Compatibility
Olga Cory Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The typical form found in the aquarium trade. As a highly social species, they must be kept in groups of at least 6 to feel secure and exhibit natural shoaling behaviors. Females may grow slightly broader than males.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Olga Cory Care Guide Summary
The Olga Cory, scientifically known as Corydoras simulatus, 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 Olga 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 20°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Olga Cory is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Olga Cory is typically available in one standard form.
Olga Cory Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Olga 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 and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Olga Cory Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Olga 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. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Olga Cory Is Actually For
Olga Cory is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Olga Cory like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Olga Cory Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Olga Cory.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Olga Cory
How big does Olga Cory get?
Olga Cory (Corydoras simulatus) 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 Olga Cory need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Olga Cory. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Olga Cory need?
Olga Cory thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–25°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Olga Cory peaceful or aggressive?
Olga 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 Olga Cory should be kept together?
Olga 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 Olga Cory have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Olga Cory benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 7, 2026
- Last updated
- May 7, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Olga Cory
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Olga Cory based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Spotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Apple Snail
Asolene spixi
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesSnowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
Ideal Tank MatesHorned Nerite Snail
Clithon corona
Ideal Tank MatesAlligator Pleco
Pterygoplichthys scrophus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Olga Cory
These plants pair well with Olga 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 Olga 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.
San Juan Cory
Corydoras bilineatus
The San Juan Cory (recently reclassified as Gastrodermus bilineatus) is a small, attractive, and peaceful armored catfish native to the Madeira River basin in Bolivia. It features a striking pattern of white stripes along a dark body. Like all Corydoras, they are obligate air-breathers and social bottom-dwellers that must be kept in schools. They require a soft sand substrate to protect their delicate sensory barbels.
Adolfo Cory
Corydoras adolfoi
Adolfo's Corydoras is a highly sought-after, peaceful schooling catfish native to the blackwater habitats of the Rio Negro basin. They are easily identified by their bright orange nape and distinct black eye stripe. Like all corydoras, they require soft sand substrate to protect their delicate sensory barbels as they constantly sift the bottom for food.
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.
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.
Incolicana Corydoras
Corydoras incolicana
The Incolicana Corydoras (also designated as C001 in the DATZ system) is a peaceful, armored catfish originating from the Rio Içana in the Rio Negro basin. It features a classic Corydoras shape with a cream-colored body adorned with horizontal bands of brown spots and a distinctive orange patch on its head. As an obligate schooling fish and bottom-dweller, it requires a soft, sandy substrate to prevent damage to its delicate sensory barbels.