Bronze Corydoras

Bronze Corydoras

Corydoras aeneus

Family: Callichthyidae • Origin: South America

Bronze Corydoras are the hardiest and most widely available cory species. Tolerates a wider range than other corys.

Min Tank
10 gal
Max Size
2.75"
Temperature
72-79°F
pH
6-8
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
6+
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
5-20 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivoreschooling

Is Bronze Corydoras Right for Your Tank?

Bronze Corydoras is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.

With a peaceful temperament, Bronze Corydoras makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 6 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 10 years with proper care.

Common Mistakes with Bronze Corydoras

Keeping fewer than 6 together

Bronze Corydoras is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 6 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.

Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons

While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (20 gal) is much more forgiving.

Care Tips

  • Hardiest cory species
  • Tolerates wider conditions than most corys
  • Sand substrate preferred
  • Keep in groups of 6+
  • Easy to breed in captivity

Feeding: Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms.

Compatibility Notes: The hardiest cory species. Tolerates wider conditions than pandas or sterbai. Perfect beginner bottom-dweller.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size
10 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
20 gallons
Swimming Level
bottom
Minimum School Size
6+ fish

Water Parameters

Temperature
7279°F
pH Range
68
Hardness (dGH)
520
Water Type
freshwater

Behavior & Temperament

Temperament
peaceful
Aggression Level
1/5
Schooling
Yes
Territorial
No
Fin Nipper
No
Predatory
No
Diet Type
omnivore
Growth Rate
moderate

The hardiest cory species. Tolerates wider conditions than pandas or sterbai. Perfect beginner bottom-dweller.

Breeding

Breeding Type
egg layer
Breeding Difficulty
easy
Lifespan
10 years

Ideal For

10 galloncommunitybeginners

Compatible Tank Mates

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