VENEZUELA CORYDORAS CATFISH (CORYDORAS SP. 'ORANGE VENEZULA')
Venezuela Corydoras is a small, peaceful freshwater catfish from South America, particularly found in Venezuela and nearby regions. It is a member of the Corydoras genus, known for its armored body and friendly nature, making it a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts.
Appearance
The Venezuela Corydoras has a compact, slightly rounded body with a beautiful metallic sheen. There are two main variants:
Corydoras venezuelanus "Orange" – Features a striking bronze or golden-orange hue along its body, with darker markings near its dorsal region.
Corydoras venezuelanus "Black" – A rarer variety with a darker, almost blackish coloration.
Like other Corydoras species, it has a pair of sensitive barbels near its mouth, which it uses to search for food in the substrate.
Behavior & Temperament
This species is peaceful, social, and thrives in groups of at least six individuals. It spends most of its time at the bottom of the tank, scavenging for food. Venezuela Corydoras are also known for their playful "winking" behavior, where they dart up to the surface to gulp air, a unique trait among Corydoras.
Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small group.
Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel to protect their delicate barbels.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
Filtration: A gentle, well-oxygenated filter is ideal.
Diet
Venezuela Corydoras are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including sinking pellets, frozen or live foods (such as bloodworms and brine shrimp), and occasional vegetable matter.
Breeding
Like other Corydoras, they breed by laying eggs on tank surfaces after a "T-position" mating ritual. A well-maintained tank with stable water conditions can encourage spawning.
Tank Mates
They coexist well with other peaceful fish, such as tetras, rasboras, and other small, non-aggressive species. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
Conclusion
The Venezuela Corydoras is an excellent choice for community aquariums due to its peaceful nature, attractive coloration, and ease of care. With proper tank conditions and a well-balanced diet, they can live for 5–7 years, bringing activity and charm to any aquarium setup.