Black Cory Catfish

Corydoras aeneus Venezuela Black, also known as black cory catfish, originally comes from South America, where it is mainly found in rivers and streams with muddy bottoms. This beautifully dark colored cory catfish is a breeding form of the classic Corydoras aeneus and appears jet black under the right light.

Care in the aquarium

This cory catfish is quite easy to keep if these needs are met. It is a group fish that feels comfortable with at least 8 members of its species and grows to around 7 cm in size. In an aquarium that holds at least 80 liters, it needs a fine, non-sharp-edged substrate because it likes to search for food with its barbels. There should also be sufficient hiding places in the tank in the form of plants and, for example, catfish caves, roots or stones.

Feeding

A varied diet, both plant-based and protein-based, ensures the health of the black cory catfish and a long lifespan. As an omnivore, it can be fed a variety of sinking live and frozen foods as well as green food and sinking commercial fish food.

Sexual characteristics and breeding

The females of the black cory catfish are recognizable by their fuller body and are slightly larger than the males. The first ray of the dorsal fin is often elongated in males. Corydoras aeneus is an egg-laying fish that attaches around 40 to 80 eggs to the plants or hardscape of the aquarium. For targeted breeding, the eggs should be hatched and raised in a separate breeding tank. About 2 – 3 days after hatching, the young animals can be fed with newly hatched Artemia nauplii or dust food.