ORANGE VENEZUELAN CORY (Corydoras aeneus “Venezuela)

Orange Venezuelan Cory (Corydoras aeneus “Venezuela”) – Vibrant Peaceful Bottom‑Dweller

Common Name: Orange Venezuelan Cory
Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus “Venezuela”
Category: Freshwater Tropical Catfish – Corydoras / Bottom Feeder
Origin: South America – Venezuela (Orinoco drainage variant)

Striking Appearance

The Orange Venezuelan Cory is a stunning color variation of the popular Bronze Cory (Corydoras aeneus), prized for its bright orange to copper‑hued body that intensifies as the fish matures. This warm orange coloration contrasts beautifully with subtle metallic highlights along the flanks and often a slightly darker dorsal region, making these corys a unique and eye‑catching addition to any community aquarium.

Size & Lifespan

• Adult Size: ~5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)

• Lifespan: 5–10+ years with proper care

Temperament & Behavior

These catfish are peaceful, social bottom‑dwellers that thrive in groups of six or more, exhibiting playful schooling behavior along the substrate. Unlike aggressive species, they are calm and compatible with most peaceful community fish, helping bring life and activity to the lower level of your tank.

Ideal Aquarium Conditions

Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 L) for a small school
Temperature: Approx. 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect delicate barbels as they forage
Environment: Provide plants, driftwood, caves, and leaf litter to create natural hiding spots and shaded areas — they prefer cozy decor and subdued lighting.

Diet & Feeding

Orange Venezuelan Corys are omnivorous scavengers. They accept:

• Sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom feeders

• High‑quality frozen foods (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp)

• Occasional live foods and blanched veggies
  While they help clean up leftover food from the tank floor, they still require dedicated feeding to stay healthy and vibrant.

Compatibility

These corys are ideal for peaceful community tanks and get along well with:

• Small schooling fish such as tetras and rasboras

• Dwarf gouramis and peaceful livebearers

• Other small corydoras species
  Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that may bully or outcompete them.

Care Level

Beginner‑Friendly: Hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for hobbyists of all experience levels, provided water quality is stable and maintenance is regular.

Why Choose Orange Venezuelan Corys?

Vibrant color contrast adds visual interest to community and planted tanks
Active schooling behavior livens up the aquarium’s bottom level
Peaceful temperament makes them versatile tankmates
Easy to care for with standard tropical freshwater setups