Bronze Aeneus Corydoras

Description

• Size: Grows to about 5–7 cm in length.

• Color: Most commonly bronze or olive-brown with a slight metallic sheen. Albino and other color variations also exist.

• Behavior: Very peaceful, social, and active bottom-dwellers. Best kept in groups of 5 or more to feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size

• Minimum tank size is 60 litres for a small group. Larger tanks are better if keeping with other species.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Comfortable range is 22–26°C.

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral — ideal is 6.5–7.5.

• KH (Carbonate Hardness): Best between 2–6 dKH to keep water stable.

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, around 5–12 dGH.

• Water Quality: Very sensitive to poor water — ensure excellent filtration, oxygenation, and weekly 20–30% water changes.

Diet

• Omnivorous bottom-feeders:

  • Sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom dwellers

  • Frozen/live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blackworms

  • Occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach

Feed once or twice a day — make sure food reaches the bottom where they can find it.

Tank Setup

• Substrate: Soft sand is ideal to protect their delicate barbels. Avoid sharp gravel.

• Aquascaping: Include plants, driftwood, and caves or hiding spots. Open bottom areas for foraging are also important.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is fine — provide shaded areas using floating plants or décor.

• Water Movement: Moderate flow is best — ensure good oxygenation but avoid strong currents.

Tank Mates

• Corydoras aeneus are peaceful and pair well with:

  • Small tetras, rasboras, and livebearers

  • Peaceful dwarf gouramis or small cichlids

  • Shrimp and snails

• Avoid aggressive or overly large species.

Breeding

• Relatively easy to breed in a species-only or breeding tank:

  • Condition with live foods and simulate rainy season with cooler water changes.

  • Females lay sticky eggs on glass or plants, and males fertilize them.

  • Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.

  • Fry hatch in 3–5 days and can be fed infusoria, microworms, or baby brine shrimp.

Summary

• Corydoras aeneus are peaceful, hardy, and ideal bottom-dwellers for community tanks.

• Keep in groups of 5+ in tanks of 60+ litres.

• Thrive in 22–26°C, pH 6.5–7.5, and KH 2–6 dKH.

• Feed sinking pellets and protein-rich live/frozen foods.

• Use soft sand, provide hiding spots, and maintain clean, oxygen-rich water.

• Easy to breed with proper conditions.