Corydoras aeneus
The default community catfish, hardier than sterbai or pygmy, available everywhere in SA, lives a decade. Smooth (not gravel) substrate so it doesn't damage its barbels. Always in groups of 6+; they're miserable as singletons. The albino variant is even more common but light-sensitive.
Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) reaches 6–7 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 80 L. Native to South America (Colombia, Trinidad to Argentina), it lives in the bottom water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 3–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 5–10 years with good care. Keep bronze corydoras in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore (sinking food), Sinking wafers, granules. Will scavenge leftovers but needs dedicated meals, not just a clean-up crew. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes.
Care at a glance
The default community catfish, hardier than sterbai or pygmy, available everywhere in SA, lives a decade. Smooth (not gravel) substrate so it doesn't damage its barbels. Always in groups of 6+; they're miserable as singletons. The albino variant is even more common but light-sensitive.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether bronze corydoras fits in your tank.
Bottom
Yes
Group of 6+
Callichthyidae
Omnivore (sinking food)
Sinking wafers, granules. Will scavenge leftovers but needs dedicated meals, not just a clean-up crew.
5–10 yrs
Medium
Slow vegetated rivers across most of South America
South America (Colombia, Trinidad to Argentina)
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) needs a minimum tank of 80 L. They live in the bottom water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 3–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes. Plant safety: Yes.
Bronze Corydoras are omnivore (sinking food). Sinking wafers, granules. Will scavenge leftovers but needs dedicated meals, not just a clean-up crew.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice. Breeding difficulty: medium.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 5–10 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
