Black Venezuela Corydoras (Corydoras cf. aeneus 'Black Venezuela') Care Guide
Common Names:
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Black Venezuela Cory
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Concolor Cory
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Black Corydoras
Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus variant
Origin: Venezuela, South America
Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
Lifespan: 5–7 years
Temperament: Peaceful, social
Tank Setup
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Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum (bigger if keeping larger groups)
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Substrate: Fine sand is ideal—prevents injury to barbels
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Decor: Driftwood, leaf litter, smooth rocks, hiding spots
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Plants: Live plants encouraged—low light varieties do well
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Lighting: Low to moderate (they prefer subdued lighting)
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
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Water Changes: 30–40% weekly to maintain quality
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Filtration: Gentle flow, well-oxygenated
Diet
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Type: Omnivorous
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Staple Foods:
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Sinking pellets or wafers (catfish-specific)
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Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp)
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Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach occasionally)
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice a day in small amounts
Behavior & Tankmates
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Social Needs: Must be kept in groups of at least 5–6
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Tankmates:
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Peaceful community fish (tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, gouramis)
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Avoid fin-nippers or large, aggressive fish
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Activity: Most active during dawn/dusk; enjoy exploring and schooling together
Breeding
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Spawning Type: Egg scatterers
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Triggering Breeding: Cooler water changes and high-protein foods
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Egg Care: Adults may eat eggs—use a separate breeding tank or remove eggs
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Fry Feeding: Infusoria, powdered fry food, then baby brine shrimp
Care Tips
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Use soft sand—sharp gravel can damage their sensitive barbels
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Keep them in groups—they’re shy alone and thrive socially
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Don’t rely on them to “clean the tank”—feed them intentionally
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Provide shady areas and low light for comfort
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