Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) Bred in SA

The Bronze Corydoras is one of the most popular and widely kept freshwater catfish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its shimmering bronze coloration and peaceful nature, this hardy species is native to South America, where it inhabits slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and streams. Its social behavior and ability to thrive in a variety of water conditions make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Natural Habitat

In the wild, Bronze Corydoras are found in slow-moving or still waters with soft, sandy substrates. These environments often feature dense vegetation and leaf litter, providing cover and foraging opportunities.

Aquarium Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 liters for a small group of 5–6 individuals.
• Water Temperature: 22–28°C.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5.
• Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard water).
• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow; ensure water is well-oxygenated.

Aquascaping

• Use soft sand or smooth gravel as substrate to protect their delicate barbels.
• Add driftwood, smooth rocks, and live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Swords to create hiding spots and replicate their natural habitat.
• Keep lighting moderate to subdued to reduce stress.

Tank Mates

• Bronze Corydoras are peaceful and thrive in community aquariums. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Small, non-aggressive species like tetras, rasboras, and guppies.
  • Other bottom-dwellers such as kuhli loaches and small plecos.
• Avoid aggressive or territorial fish that may outcompete or harass them.

Feeding

Bronze Corydoras are omnivorous and will readily accept a variety of foods:

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers.
• Protein: Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
• Vegetable Matter: Offer blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach occasionally.
  Feed small portions once or twice daily, ensuring food reaches the substrate for easy access.

Breeding

Bronze Corydoras are relatively easy to breed in captivity, making them a favorite for aquarists interested in breeding projects.

Breeding Tank Setup

• Use a separate tank of at least 40 liters with soft, slightly acidic water:
  • Temperature: 24–26°C.
  • pH: 6.5–7.0.
• Provide smooth surfaces like broad-leaf plants or glass for egg-laying.

Spawning Process

1. Condition the adults with high-protein foods such as bloodworms or daphnia.
2. Perform cooler water changes (by 2–3°C) to simulate rainfall and trigger spawning.
3. Females deposit eggs on plants, rocks, or tank glass, which males fertilize.
4. Remove adults after spawning to protect the eggs.

Fry Care

• Eggs hatch in 3–5 days, depending on water temperature.
• Feed fry with infusoria or powdered fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

Key Notes

• Social Behavior: Bronze Corydoras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5–6 to encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress.
• Maintenance: Perform regular water changes to maintain clean, stable water conditions.
• Health: Monitor for signs of stress or disease, such as ich or bacterial infections, particularly if water quality is poor.

The Bronze Corydoras is a delightful and low-maintenance addition to community aquariums. Its peaceful temperament, social behavior, and shimmering appearance make it a favorite among aquarists of all experience levels.