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Fish · Freshwater

Bronze cory

Corydoras aeneus

Corydoras aeneus is a hardy, active corydoras suitable for many calm communities. Its reputation as an easy fish does not remove two basic needs: living in a group and having safe substrate.

It constantly explores the bottom with its barbels, so sharp gravel and accumulated dirt are real problems.

D
Difficulty
Beginner
A
Aggression
0/10
G
Schooling
Yes
T
Size
6.00 cm
L
Minimum volume
80 L
º
Temperature
22.0-26.0 ºC
Z
Zone
Bottom
V
Lifespan
5 years

Quick profile scan

fish
Territoriality Low
Aggression 0/10
Activity Slow
Thermal sensitivity Medium
Bioload Low
Speed Slow
Predation risk None

Expert calculator

Check whether this species fits your aquarium

Analyze volume, parameters, behavior and relationships with other species.

Check compatibility
Expert read

Quick verdict

A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.

Best for

Aquariums where its role fits: bottom cleaner.

Avoid

Mixes marked as high risk or not recommended in manual relationships.

Compatible with

Has positive or conditional references with species such as Angelfish.

Typical risk

Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.

Aquarium zone

Where it lives best

Surface
Midwater
Bottom primary

Quick compatibility

Community signals

Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision

Before buying Bronze cory

Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.

L

Adult volume

Make sure your aquarium is above 80 L before buying it.

G

Minimum group

Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.

Parameters

Water conditions

pH
6.0 - 7.5
GH
2 - 15
KH
1 - 8
Temperature
22.0 - 26.0 ºC

Growth and behavior

Juvenile to adult

Juvenile
As a juvenile it feels safer in a group and usually uses the bottom with coordinated movement. An insufficient group can increase stress and erratic behavior.
Shift
The transition to adulthood usually brings more stable behavior when group size, space and parameters are suitable.
Adult
As an adult it keeps a strong social pattern and is more stable in adequate groups. In balanced communities it usually occupies the bottom without causing major conflict.

Ecological profile

Role and biological pressure

Bottom Cleaner Bottom Cleaner Small Low Moderate None
Profile: bottom-dwelling species, with low bioload and primary use of the bottom. It should be kept in a group to show stable behavior and reduce stress. Compatibility mostly depends on stable parameters, adequate space and tank mates with a similar activity level.

Ecological radar

profile
Territoriality 24%
Aggression 0%
Activity 24%
Thermal sensitivity 52%
Bioload 24%

Common mistakes

What to avoid

Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.

Keeping too few individuals for a social species.

Relations

Compatible with

Angelfish

Compatible
WMain risk: Water parameters Low risk

Pterophyllum scalare + Corydoras aeneus: cohabitation is usually viable if volume, parameters, groups and adult behavior are respected.

Guppy

Compatible
WMain risk: Water parameters Low risk

Poecilia Reticulata + Corydoras aeneus: cohabitation is usually viable if volume, parameters, groups and adult behavior are respected.

P

Peppered cory

Compatible
WMain risk: Water parameters Low risk

Corydoras aeneus + Corydoras paleatus: cohabitation is usually viable if volume, parameters, groups and adult behavior are respected.

S

Sterbai cory

Compatible
WMain risk: Water parameters Low risk

Corydoras aeneus + Corydoras sterbai: cohabitation is usually viable if volume, parameters, groups and adult behavior are respected.

C

Clown loach

Conditional
LMain risk: Adult space Review conditions

Chromobotia macracanthus + Corydoras aeneus: size difference, activity level or space pressure may cause stress, competition or insufficient usable room.

Relations

Avoid keeping with

Oscar

High risk
PMain risk: Predation High risk

Astronotus ocellatus + Corydoras aeneus: there is a predation risk due to size difference, mouth capacity or feeding behavior.

Care

Essential care

Keep a group, fine sand and well-oxygenated water. Avoid prolonged extremes, especially high heat when combined with species such as discus. Filtration should move water without disturbing the substrate too much.

Daily time
10 min
Life cycle

Breeding

Breeding is possible in mature aquariums. Slightly cooler water changes and good conditioning may trigger spawning. Eggs should be protected if fry are to be raised.

Oviparous Moderate

Machos algo más esbeltos; hembras más robustas

Monitoring

Alerts and health

  • Sustrato fino
  • Grupo
  • Buena oxigenación

Common issues

Ich Desgaste de barbillones
Expert notes

Interesting details

01

Es una especie muy popular en acuariofilia

02

Se aprecia más cuando se mantiene correctamente

Editorial confidence

Last review: June 2026

Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.

Profile data Ecological profile Manual relationships General aquarium observation