Bronze Corydoras Care Guide: Size, Tank Mates, Breeding & Diet
Bronze Corydoras are an attractive and ideal catfish in the modern aquarium. Although this fish is somewhat shy, they are hardy and effortless to care for.
This fish is affectionately nicknamed Corydoras annuus because it is a tropical freshwater fish of the Callichthyidae family.
This fish prefers living in slow-moving waters with soft sandy substrates and plenty of hiding places. The fish has recently gained popularity among aquarists because of its golden or bronze colour.
In this article, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about Bronze Corydoras care, including size, tank mates, breeding and diet.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what it takes to care for Bronze Corydoras in your aquarium!
What About Bronze Corydoras?
A Bronze Corydoras is a species of freshwater fish that is native to South America. It is a member of the family Callichthyidae, which contains armoured catfishes.
The Bronze Corydoras gets its name from the brassy or bronze colouration of its body.
These fish are popular in the aquarium trade and can be found in many pet stores. They are relatively easy to care for and make good community fish.
These fish prefer to live in groups, so keeping them in an aquarium with at least six of their own kind is best.
They are peaceful fish and do well with other temperate species. They should not be kept with larger, more aggressive fish.
Bronze Corydoras are omnivorous and eat most aquarium food, including pellets, flakes, live food, and freeze-dried foods.
They should be fed a variety of foods to ensure proper nutrition.
If you are interested in keeping Bronze Corydoras, they make a great addition to most freshwater community tanks. They can live for several years in the home aquarium with proper care.
Species overview of Bronze Corydoras
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras aeneus |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Max Size: | 3″ |
| Depth: | 6-24″ |
| Distribution: | South America |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Reef Compatible: | No |
| Life Span: | 5 years or more |
| Colour: | Greenish-bronze with dark spots |
| Aquarium Environment: | Community |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 20 gallons |
| Tank Temperature: | 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water Movement: | Moderate |
| Tank Setup: | Freshwater |
| Compatibility: | Peaceful community fish |
| Water Conditions: | pH 6.5-7.2; dH range 5-19 |
| Feeding: | Omnivorous |
The Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus), also known as the Green Cory or Wreckfish, is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the Corydoradinae sub-family of the Callichthyidae family.
Native to South America, the Bronze Corydoras can be found in Venezuela, Colombia, the Guyanas, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia. It is a popular fish in the aquarium trade.
The body colouration is greenish-bronze with dark spots. The fins are transparent, with a black band along the edge. The males are smaller than the females and have longer fins.
The Bronze Corydoras is a peaceful community fish that does well in a freshwater aquarium with other delicate fish of similar size.
It is an active swimmer and does best in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places. Plants, driftwood and rocks can all be used to create a natural-looking environment.
Bronze Corydoras have managed to attract the attention of aquarists worldwide.
You can find them online at pet websites or at local retailers. They are not very expensive. Most will cost approximately $5.
Main Key Facts:
- Aquarium Size: 20 gallons
- Price: 5$
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
All about Bronze Corydoras
Although they are prevalent pet fish in the aquarium trade, do you know all the facts about these Bronze Corydoras?
Do you know the correct information about the life span, growth rate, size, behaviour, gender difference and appearance of this fish in an aquarium tank?
In this part, I’ll introduce all of the detailed information about Bronze Corydoras that you should need to know as a fish keeper.
Appearance
Bronze Corydoras primarily live in the bottom of aquarium tanks. These catfish have a spotted brown, grey or green pattern that helps them blend in with plant life.
Let us describe their appearance in detail:
The body of a Bronze Corydoras is round and flattened. It has a light brown colouration with dark spots all over its body.
The fins are also dark brown in colour. The belly area is white or off-white. The tail fin is forked, and the pectoral fins are enormous.
A few barbels can be seen on the upper lip of their mouth. These barbels help the fish smell and taste their food.
Total number of fins: 7
- Pectoral fins: 2
- Dorsal fin: 1
- Caudal peduncle: 2
- Adipose fin: 1
- Anal fin: 1
Their anal and adipose fins are joined together, and their caudal peduncles are very long.
Size & Life Expectancy
Bronze Corydoras grow to be about 2.5 inches in length. They have a lifespan of 5-10 years, although some have been known to live up to 15 years.
They are peaceful fish and do well in community aquariums. They should be kept in groups of at least six, as they are social creatures.
These fish will thrive when kept in a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of hiding places. A diet of live or frozen food should be supplemented with dry food.
Overall, they are easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Gender Differences
Males and females are very similar in appearance, but there are a few ways to tell them apart.
Males tend to be slightly smaller than females and have longer fins. They also have a more pronounced V-shaped notch on their anal fin. This notch is used to hold the female’s eggs during spawning.
Females have a rounder belly area and shorter fins. The V-shaped notch on their anal fin is not as pronounced as in males.
When it comes to colouration, there is no real difference between the sexes. However, females may be a little lighter in colour overall.
Behaviour
In the wild, Bronze Corydoras inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams. They are often found near the bottom, where they scavenge for food.
These fish are very social creatures and do best when kept in groups. In the wild, they live in schools of hundreds of fish.
They are peaceful by nature and get along well with other tank mates. In fact, they are often used as dither fish to help shy fish come out of their hiding places.
Bronze Corydoras are known for their “sleeping” behaviour.
When the lights in the aquarium are turned off, these fish will often lie on their side at the bottom of the tank. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.
These fish are also known to “groom” themselves and other fish in the aquarium.
They often swim to another fish and nibble on its fins or scales. This behaviour helps to remove dead skin and parasites from the other fish.
It is also thought to help establish dominance within the school.
Pros And Cons Of Bronze Corydoras In The Aquarium
When choosing fish for your aquarium, it is essential to research and ensure you are getting a fish compatible with your setup.
Bronze Corydoras are popular in many aquariums because of their peaceful nature and striking appearance.
However, like all fish, they have pros and cons that you should consider before making your purchase.
If you are considering adding Bronze Corydoras to your aquarium, consider both the pros and cons before making your decision.
These fish can make a great addition to any freshwater setup, but they may not be the right choice for everyone.
The Personality of the Bronze Corydoras
By now, you have learned a lot about the Bronze Corydoras. But there is still one piece of information left for you to know: their personality.
Although many aquarists never agree on how these little fish have personalities.
In case you don’t know, I’ll go over their personalities in a few steps.
The first thing you need to know about their personality is that they are very peaceful.
They will never bother any other fish in your tank and will get along with just about every fish out there.
The second thing you need to know about the Bronze Corydoras personality is that they are very active.
They love to swim around and explore their tank. This is one of the reasons why they are such a great addition to any aquarium.
The third thing you need to know about the Bronze Corydoras personality is that they are very curious.
They will always be investigating everything that goes on in their tank. This includes anything that you do when you are around them.
The fourth and final thing you need to know about the Bronze Corydoras personality is that they are very social.
They love to be around other fish and will often school with them. This is one of the reasons why they are such a great addition to any aquarium.
Care guide for Bronze Corydoras
Although these fish are easy to care for, does that mean they don’t need the care to survive in an aquarium tank?
If you think so, then your thinking is wrong. They are indeed hardy fish, but their care list is discussed below.
Perfect Size Aquarium Tank
The first and most important thing is providing them with the perfect aquarium tank. It should neither be too small nor too large.
The ideal size of the tank for these fish is 20 gallons. If you keep more than one fish, you will need a larger tank.
Provide Them With Plenty Of Swimming Space
As these fish are very active, they need plenty of swimming space. You should provide them with at least 5 gallons of water per fish.
If you have a smaller tank, it is better to keep only one fish. Otherwise, the fish will not have enough space to swim, leading to health problems.
The Right Water Temperature
The second most important thing on the care list is maintaining the proper water temperature. The ideal water temperature for these fish is between 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the water temperature is too high or too low, it can lead to health problems in these fish.
The Right Water pH
Another critical aspect of their care is to maintain the proper water pH. The ideal pH for these fish is between 6.5 to 7.5.
If the pH of the water is too high or too low, it can lead to health problems in these fish.
The Right Water hardness
Another critical aspect of their care is to maintain the correct water hardness. The ideal hardness for these fish is between 5 to 15 dGH.
If the hardness of the water is too high or too low, it can lead to health problems in these fish.
The Right Diet
for Your Bronze Corydoras
It’s essential to give your Bronze Corydoras the proper diet to stay healthy and thrive in your aquarium.
They are omnivorous, meaning they will eat plant and animal matter. A good diet for them should include:
- High-quality dry pellets or granules that are designed for Corydoras
- Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
- Fresh vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and kale
You should feed them small amounts several times a day. Be sure to remove any uneaten food, so it doesn’t pollute the water.
How Often Should I Feed My Bronze Corydoras?
It’s best to feed your Bronze Corydoras smaller meals more often than one large meal. A good rule of thumb is to offer food 2-3 times per day in quantities that can be consumed within a minute or two.
This will help ensure your fish get the nutrition they need without overfeeding them and causing water quality issues.
My Recommendation on food brand
I recommend Hikari or Wardley’s brand for high-quality dry pellets or granules.
I recommend San Francisco Bay Brand or Ocean Nutrition for live or frozen foods. And for fresh vegetables, I recommend Organic Zucchini, Cucumber, and Kale.
When offering fresh vegetables to your Corydoras, it’s important to blanch them first.
This means boiling them for a minute or two so that they’re softer and easier to eat. You can chop them into small pieces before adding them to the tank.
Optimal Tank Conditions Requirements
| Water Type: | Freshwater |
| Tank Size: | 20 gallons |
| Water Temperature: | 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Substrate: | Sand or small gravel |
| Tank Setup: | Aquarium with plants and hiding places |
| Acidity: | 6.5-7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5-15 dGH |
| Salinity: | 0 ppm |
| Filter: | Yes |
| Bubbler: | Optional |
| Lighting: | Low to moderate |
| Water Heater: | Optional |
Bronze Corydoras can live in relatively small tanks (20 gallons), provided there are plenty of hiding places and aquarium plants.
Corydoras are bottom-dwellers and do best in aquariums with a sandy or small gravel substrate.
The water temperature for Bronze Corydoras should be maintained between 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit.
The water should be clean and well-filtered, with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a hardness of 5-15 dGH.
Bronze Corydoras are very sensitive to changes in water conditions, so it is crucial to keep a close eye on the aquarium’s parameters.
A water heater is optional but may be necessary to maintain the optimal water temperature, especially in cooler climates.
Lighting should be low to moderate; a bubbler is optional but can help create a more natural environment.
The best way is to clean the tank water twice a month and do a partial water change of 30-50%. Gravel vacuum the substrate and remove any uneaten food or debris.
Inspect the plants and remove any dead leaves. Test the water parameters regularly and adjust as necessary.
Tank Mates
Bronze Corydoras are peaceful fish that do well with other small, delicate fish. Good tank mates include:
- Tetras
- Guppies
- Mollies
- Platies
- Swordtails
- Corydoras catfish (of course!)
- Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) – only one per tank!
- Barbs
- Gouramis
- Danios
- Rasboras
- Kuhli loaches
- Dojo loaches
- Weather loaches
- Bala sharks – only in huge tanks
Bronze Corydoras are also compatible with most snails and shrimp.
They will not eat plants but may uproot them when foraging for food, so be sure to choose well-rooted plants with a weight.
When choosing tank mates for Bronze Corydoras, it is essential to avoid too large or aggressive fish, as they may bully or eat the smaller Corydoras.
It is also best to avoid fish that require different water conditions, as this can cause stress and illness.
How many Bronze Corydoras can be kept in a tank?
The recommended tank size for Bronze Corydoras is 20 gallons, but they can also do well in larger tanks.
A group of 6-8 fish would be a good starting number, but the actual number will depend on the other fish in the tank, as well as the size of the tank.
When keeping Bronze Corydoras with other fish, it is essential to provide plenty of hiding places and aquarium plants.
Breeding Your Bronze Corydoras
Breeding your bronze corydoras can be a rewarding experience. These little fish are not only beautiful, but they are also relatively easy to produce.
This article will discuss some of the basic requirements for successfully breeding these fish.
First and foremost, you will need a pair of healthy, adult Bronze Corydoras. These fish can be challenging to find in pet stores, so you may need to order them online or from a speciality store.
Once you have your pair, you must acclimate them to their new environment slowly and carefully.
The next thing you will need is a breeding tank. This should be at least 10 gallons in size and set up with soft, neutral-pH water.
You will also need to provide hiding places for the fish in the form of plants or rocks. Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, so these hiding places should be close to the bottom of the tank.
The last thing you will need is a portion of good quality food for the fry (baby fish). This can be either live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp or daphnia.
When you are ready to breed your fish, you will need to slowly and carefully increase the water temperature in the tank to 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit over a week or two.
Once the water has reached this temperature, you should see the fish spawn. The female will lay her eggs on plants or rocks, and the male will fertilize them.
After spawning, removing the parents from the tank is essential, as they may eat the eggs.
The eggs will hatch in 5-10 days, and the fry will be free-swimming a few days later.
At this point, you can start feeding them the live or frozen foods mentioned earlier.
Breeding your bronze corydoras can be a fun and rewarding experience. These little fish are not only beautiful, but they are also relatively easy to produce.
You can successfully breed these fish with patience and care and enjoy watching them grow.
History And First Sighting
The Bronze Corydoras is a small, peaceful fish native to South America.
It was first discovered in the wild in the early 1800s and has been popular among aquarium enthusiasts ever since.
The Bronze Corydoras gets its name from its unique colouration. The body of this fish is a deep bronze, and the fins are tipped with black.
The Bronze Corydoras is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of only 2.5 inches.
This fish is relatively easy to care for and is an excellent addition to any peaceful community aquarium.
Which Reasons You Should Keep Bronze Corydoras in Your Aquarium?
The Bronze Corydoras is a small, peaceful fish native to South America. It was first discovered in the wild in the early 1800s and has been popular among aquarium enthusiasts ever since.
The Bronze Corydoras gets its name from its unique colouration. The body of this fish is a deep bronze, and the fins are tipped with black. The Bronze Corydoras is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of only 2.5 inches.
This fish is relatively easy to care for and is an excellent addition to any peaceful community aquarium.
Here are some of the reasons why you should keep Bronze Corydoras in your aquarium:
- The Bronze Corydoras is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other similar-sized fish.
- The Bronze Corydoras is easy to care for and requires no special attention.
- The Bronze Corydoras is a beautiful fish that adds colour and interest to your aquarium.
- The Bronze Corydoras is a good candidate for breeding in the aquarium, and it can be fun to watch the fry grow up.
If you are looking for a small, peaceful fish that is easy to care for, then the Bronze Corydoras is an excellent choice.
This fish is sure to add beauty and interest to your aquarium, and you may even be able to breed them successfully.
More Pet Fish Species and Further Research
In addition to the bronze corydoras, there are many other species of pet fish that you may be interested in.
Here are a few more examples:
Blue Corydoras Species Profile
Bluespotted Corydoras Species Profile