Corydoras melanotaenia Care Guide
Common Name: Green Gold Cory
Scientific Name: Corydoras melanotaenia
Origin: Meta River basin, Colombia
Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Temperament: Peaceful, active, social
Tank Setup
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Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum (bigger is better for groups)
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Substrate: Fine sand—protects their barbels and lets them sift naturally
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Decor: Driftwood, rocks, caves, shaded hiding areas
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Plants: Live or silk plants—floating plants help diffuse light
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Lighting: Low to moderate; they prefer dimmer conditions
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
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Filtration: Moderate flow; clean, oxygen-rich water
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Water Changes: 30–40% weekly
Diet
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Feeding Style: Bottom-dweller
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Food Types:
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Sinking pellets or wafers (catfish-specific)
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Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)
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Occasional blanched vegetables
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Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily
Behavior & Tankmates
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Group Size: Minimum of 5–6; more is better
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Behavior: Peaceful, shy if alone, more confident in a group
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Good Tankmates:
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Tetras, rasboras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, guppies
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Other Corydoras, small loaches, peaceful livebearers
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Avoid: Aggressive or much larger fish
Breeding
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Spawning Type: Egg scatterers
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Breeding Setup: Separate tank with soft, slightly cooler water
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Triggering Spawn: Large water changes with cooler water, plus protein-rich foods
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Egg Care: Remove adults or eggs to prevent predation
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Fry Care: Start with infusoria, then baby brine shrimp
Care Tips
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Keep the substrate clean—uneaten food can spoil water fast
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Never keep just one or two—they’re social and need a group
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Provide shaded areas and hiding spots to reduce stress
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Don’t rely on them as “cleanup crew”—they need their own food
Need this formatted as a printable care sheet or want a side-by-side comparison with other Corys? Just say the word.
