Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Minimum Tank
15 Gallons
Adult Size
2.5 inches
Temperature
72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH Range
6.0-8.0
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
6+ fish
About Bronze Corydoras
The bronze corydoras is one of the original and most widely kept corydoras species, native to the rivers and streams of South America from Trinidad to the Rio de la Plata basin. Its armored body displays a warm bronze-green metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully, and an albino variant with white bodies and red eyes is equally popular. Bronze corys are the classic beginner corydoras, combining exceptional hardiness with engaging social behavior. They are active bottom-dwellers that move in coordinated groups, constantly sifting through the substrate with their sensitive barbels. Bronze corydoras have been bred in captivity for over a century, resulting in one of the most domesticated freshwater fish species available.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 15-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 8.0
- • Category: Catfish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Bronze corydoras are among the hardiest catfish available, tolerating temperatures from 68-82°F and a range of water conditions. Keep them in groups of at least six on a sand or smooth fine-gravel substrate. They are energetic foragers that help keep the tank bottom clean but should not be expected to survive on scraps alone. Provide sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen bloodworms as a regular diet. They prefer moderate flow and well-oxygenated water. Bronze corys are easy to breed in home aquariums when given cooler water changes that simulate the rainy season. Their hardiness and peaceful nature make them ideal for beginners.
Quick Facts
57L
Min Tank (15gal)
6cm
Adult Size (2.5")
10yr
Lifespan
6+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Bronze Corydoras
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Tank Mates for Bronze Corydoras
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Longfin Zebra Danio
Danio rerio var.
easy · 10+ gal
Silvertip Tetra
Hasemania nana
easy · 15+ gal
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
moderate · 15+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Bronze Corydoras need?
A Bronze Corydoras needs a minimum tank size of 15 gallons (57 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 6.
What water parameters does a Bronze Corydoras need?
Bronze Corydoras thrive in water between 72-79°F (22-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-8.0.
Are Bronze Corydoras easy to care for?
Bronze Corydoras are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Bronze Corydoras get and what do they eat?
Bronze Corydoras reach about 2.5 inches and are omnivores. Bronze corydoras are among the hardiest catfish available, tolerating temperatures from 68-82°F and a range of water conditions. Keep them in groups of at least six on a sand or smooth fine-gravel substrate. They are energetic foragers that help keep the tank bottom clean but should not be expected to survive on scraps alone. Provide sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen bloodworms as a regular diet. They prefer moderate flow and well-oxygenated water. Bronze corys are easy to breed in home aquariums when given cooler water changes that simulate the rainy season. Their hardiness and peaceful nature make them ideal for beginners.