Green Corydoras

Corydoras aeneus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

📍 South America

A color variant of Corydoras aeneus displaying a distinctive emerald-green to teal iridescent sheen over the body rather than the typical bronze coloration. Care requirements are identical to the standard bronze corydoras — peaceful, social, requiring groups of 6+, soft sandy substrate, and good water quality.

Size2.5"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Green Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and high-quality flake food as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia to ensure balanced nutrition. Feed small amounts once daily, removing uneaten food after 2-3 minutes to maintain water quality.

Behavior

These peaceful catfish are highly social and spend most of their time on the substrate searching for food and sifting through sand. They are most active during dawn and dusk but remain relatively calm throughout the day. Green Corydoras are non-aggressive and make excellent community fish, though they may be stressed if kept alone.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions including cooler water temperatures (70-72°F), frequent water changes, and a well-fed group. Males will chase females in a characteristic spawning dance, and females will deposit eggs on plants or tank surfaces. Fry are difficult to raise due to their small size and specific food requirements; breeding is considered moderately challenging for most hobbyists.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Similar water parameters and peaceful temperament; occupy different water zones

excellent

Rummy Nose Tetra

Compatible water requirements and non-aggressive schooling behavior

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom dweller with identical care needs; synergistic algae control

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller; ensure adequate space and hiding spots

good

Bolivian Ram

Gentle cichlid with overlapping temperature range; may occasionally compete for food

good

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that shares bottom habitat without aggression

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 79°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or ich medication for 7-10 days

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Deterioration or loss of barbels, difficulty feeding, behavioral changes

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, use fine sand substrate (never gravel), ensure adequate nutrition with varied foods, treat with antibiotics if secondary infection occurs

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or disintegrating fins, white or cloudy edges on fins, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes every 2-3 days, maintain optimal water parameters, use antibacterial medication, ensure good filtration and remove decaying food

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

Whitish film on body, loss of appetite, rapid gill movement, body lesions

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform daily 25% water changes, treat with antibacterial medication, maintain temperature at 75-77°F, isolate affected fish if possible