Corydoras Melanotaenia Gold Green Cory

Here’s a clear and accurate care guide for the Corydoras melanotaenia, a peaceful and hardy Cory species known for its golden body and dark lateral stripe.

Corydoras melanotaenia Care Guide

Common Name:

• Gold Stripe Cory

• Melanotaenia Cory

Scientific Name: Corydoras melanotaenia
Origin: Meta River basin, Colombia (South America)
Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Temperament: Peaceful, schooling bottom-dweller

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum (larger if keeping 6+ individuals)

• Substrate: Fine sand is ideal—protects barbels and lets them forage naturally

• Decor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, caves, leaf litter

• Plants: Great in planted tanks—adds cover and improves water quality

• Lighting: Low to moderate—enjoys shaded or planted areas

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)

• Filtration: Gentle flow; well-oxygenated water is key

• Water Changes: 30–40% weekly

Diet

• Feeding Style: Bottom-feeding omnivore

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking pellets or wafers (cory-specific or omnivore)

  • Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach occasionally)

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily

• Important: Feed them directly—don’t rely on “cleaning scraps”

Behavior & Tankmates

• Group Size: At least 5–6—they are highly social and need a group

• Temperament: Extremely peaceful

• Good Tankmates:

  • Tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, guppies, gouramis, other Corydoras

  • Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous tankmates

• Activity: Most active at dusk/dawn; love to explore the bottom

Breeding

• Type: Egg scatterer

• Spawning Trigger: Cool water changes + protein-rich foods

• Setup: Use a breeding tank or remove eggs from community setup

• Egg Care: Adults may eat eggs—move them if needed

• Fry Feeding: Start with infusoria, then micro foods and baby brine shrimp

Care Tips

• Use fine sand—never sharp gravel

• Provide plenty of cover and hiding spaces

• Keep them in a stable group—solo Corys become stressed

• Ensure clean, stable water conditions—they’re sensitive to spikes

• May swim to the surface to gulp air—this is normal