Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Black ‘Venezuelan’ Corydoras or Cory for short, also referred to simply as the Black Cory, is a rare color variant that was isolated, developed, and line-bred by aquarists in the 1990s. This variant does not seem to be commercially bred at nearly the same level of other common Corydoras catfish, hence why it boasts such a high price tag per individual. Although Venezuela is in its name, the origin of this unusual variant is speculated to be from a specific population of Bronze Cory (C. aeneus) from Peru. The genus Corydoras translates to “helmet skin” which is true of these tough, little armored catfish. Corydoras also have spines at the edge of their pectoral fins to deter predators from eating them. As their name suggests, Black corys have an overall deep maroon-black coloration. Black corys make for a great scavenging fish for the planted aquarium, reaching an adult size of approximately 2-1/2″. Corydoras are very social, preferring to be kept in groups of 4 or more individuals. There are little differences between male and female, however females can appear a little more robust.

Diet Requirements: Black corys are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods, bug bites, or freeze-dried tubifex works are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 15 to 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Black corys, but they are versatile and can be added to even much larger aquariums. Unlike some of the other species in Corydoras, Black corys should not be added into a biologically immature aquarium as they are sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. It is also important that water parameters remain stable (i.e., avoid swings in pH). The aquarium should be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood for coverage and places to hide, in addition to generous vegetation (artificial or live, but live is preferred). Corydoras require a sandy to fine substrate; too coarse of a substrate could cause injury to their barbels. Corydoras are opportunistic scavengers, making them very beneficial to have to forage for extra food of all kinds that has fallen to the substrate. Given their size and temperament, Black corys rarely conflict with other fish but can be easily bullied by more semi-aggressive bottom-dwelling species or more aggressive catfish species. Choose tank mates accordingly, but some common compatible options include tetras, rasboras, angelfish, dwarf cichlids, and livebearers. Different species of Corydoras catfish can be mixed with success. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 2-15, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: 

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.