Bronze Corydoras – Corydoras aeneus – 2.5 to 3 cm

Bronze Corydoras – Corydoras aeneus

The Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) is one of the best-known Corydoras in the aquarium hobby. Native to South America, this small bottom-dwelling fish is appreciated for its peaceful behaviour, hardiness and bronze to greenish colouration with attractive metallic reflections.

The specimens offered here are approximately 2.5 to 3 cm.

Adult Size of the Bronze Corydoras

The Bronze Corydoras generally reaches around 6 to 7 cm as an adult. Adult females are usually larger and more robust than males.

A Sociable Fish to Keep in a Group

The Bronze Corydoras is a sociable, shoaling fish and should not be kept alone.

A group of at least 6 individuals is recommended. When aquarium size allows, a larger group encourages the expression of natural social behaviour.

Corydoras spend much of their time together exploring the bottom of the aquarium, resting or searching for food.

What Size Aquarium Does a Bronze Corydoras Need?

When keeping a group, it is important to provide sufficient floor space and open areas where the fish can forage naturally.

An aquarium measuring at least 80 cm in length is preferable for maintaining a group of adults.

The substrate should be fine and non-abrasive. Fine sand is particularly suitable for the natural behaviour of Corydoras, which use their barbels when searching for food in the substrate.

Plants, roots and shaded areas can be included while maintaining sufficient open space along the bottom.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 22 to 27 °C
pH: 6 to 8
Water: soft to moderately hard
Nitrite: 0 mg/L

Nitrite should remain undetectable. Clean, stable, properly filtered water and regular aquarium maintenance are particularly important for bottom-dwelling fish.

Feeding the Bronze Corydoras

The Bronze Corydoras has an omnivorous diet with a strong animal component.

In its natural habitat, it searches for small invertebrates, larvae, worms and other organisms found in or close to the substrate.

In the aquarium, it readily accepts sinking pellets and tablets suitable for bottom-dwelling fish. Its diet can be supplemented with Artemia, Daphnia, bloodworms and other suitable frozen or live foods.

Corydoras should not be regarded as a “cleaner fish” expected to survive on leftovers from other fish. They require a complete diet specifically provided for them.

Behaviour and Compatibility

The Bronze Corydoras is generally a peaceful and sociable fish. It is well suited to community aquariums with species that have compatible behaviour and water requirements.

Although it spends most of its time near the bottom, it may regularly swim rapidly to the surface to take in a small amount of air. This is normal behaviour for Corydoras.

Breeding the Bronze Corydoras

The Bronze Corydoras is an egg-laying fish.

During breeding, the male and female may adopt the characteristic “T-position”. After fertilisation, the female attaches the eggs to various surfaces within the aquarium.

Eggs may be deposited on the aquarium glass, plant leaves or other suitable surfaces.

The parents provide no parental care and may eat the eggs. For controlled breeding, the eggs or breeding adults can therefore be separated.

Origin of the Bronze Corydoras

Corydoras aeneus is native to South America, where different populations occur in several river systems.

The species inhabits streams, rivers and quieter areas where it searches for food along the bottom.

Lifespan

Under suitable aquarium conditions, the Bronze Corydoras can live for approximately 8 to 10 years. Some individuals may live even longer.

Conservation Status

Corydoras aeneus is classified as LC – Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Never Release Aquarium Fish into the Wild

Aquarium fish must never be released into a river, pond, lake or any other natural environment, in order to protect natural ecosystems and wildlife.

Key Facts About the Bronze Corydoras

• scientific name: Corydoras aeneus;
• common name: Bronze Corydoras;
• size offered: 2.5 to 3 cm;
• adult size: approximately 6 to 7 cm;
• origin: South America;
• peaceful, sociable bottom-dwelling fish;
• group of at least 6 individuals recommended;
• fine, non-abrasive substrate recommended;
• temperature: 22 to 27 °C;
• pH: 6 to 8;
• omnivorous diet with a strong animal component;
• egg-laying reproduction;
• lifespan: approximately 8 to 10 years;
• IUCN status: LC – Least Concern.