Bronze Catfish | Corydoras aeneus

Catfish / Callichthyidae / Bronze Catfish

Profile: Bronze Catfish
Corydoras aeneus Synonyms: Callichthys aeneus, Corydoras macrosteus, Hoplosternum aeneum
Physical description: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21. Two pairs of barbels are located on the upper jaw. The lower plates ranges in color from bronze to yellow to reddish-brown to white. The upper row of plates have a green to golden iridescence, when good water conditions are maintained. The fins are the tan to bronze in color.
Size/Length: To 3" (8 cm)
Similar species: Long-finned Brochis ( Brochis britskii ), Giant Brochis (Brochis multiradiatus ), Emerald Catfish ( Brochis splendens ), Golden-eared Cory (Corydoras eques ), Black-band Cory ( Corydoras melanotaenia ), Zygatus Cory ( Corydoras zygatus )
H: Along banks of slow-moving rivers with sandy bottoms. South America; from Rio de la Plata to Venezuela; also on the island of Trinidad.
A: bottom
Aquarium: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). See genus description for more information
Water chemistry: pH 5.8-7.8 (7.0), 2-30 dH (10), 72-82°F (22-28°C)
FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms, Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; tablets; flake
Social behavior: Follow suggestions for B. splendens.
Social behavior: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs, Danios, Killifish
Suggested companions: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and less colorful. Easier to sex when viewed from above.
Breeding techniques: Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water. The female carries eggs between her ventral fins to a preselected spawning site (glass walls, leaves, rocks). Transfer eggs to a dark, well-aerated rearing tank. Fry are easy to raise on microworms, Artemia , and tablets.
Breeding potential: 5. Breeding the Bronze Catfish is not difficult in a species tank.
Remarks: One of the easiest of all Catfish in care. An albino variation is widely available.
Difficulty of care: 2. A hardy, community scavenger.