Gold Green Cory Corydoras Melanotaenia

✨ Corydoras melanotaenia – Gold Green Cory Care Guide

The Gold Green Cory (Corydoras melanotaenia) is a peaceful and attractive bottom-dweller known for its shimmering golden-green body and gentle behavior. Native to coastal river systems in French Guiana, this species is prized for its iridescence, medium size, and suitability for peaceful community aquariums. It thrives in well-oxygenated, stable environments with soft substrate and plenty of companionship.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras melanotaenia

• Common Name: Gold Green Cory, Green-Gold Cory

• Origin: French Guiana (coastal rivers and streams)

• Adult Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

• Temperament: Very peaceful and social

• Swimming Zone: Bottom (occasionally mid-level in groups)

• Group Behavior: Shoaling; thrives in groups of 6 or more

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a group

• Substrate: Soft, fine sand is ideal to protect barbels and allow for natural foraging

• Décor:

  • Smooth stones, driftwood, and low-light plants

  • Shaded areas and open substrate zones for sifting

• Lighting: Low to moderate (brings out metallic sheen)

• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate

• Filtration: Sponge or low-flow filter; avoid strong suction near substrate

💡 The shimmering green-gold tones show best under natural-spectrum lighting and in dark-substrate tanks.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.4

• Hardness: 3–12 dGH

• TDS: 80–200 ppm

• Water Changes: 30–40% weekly to maintain clean substrate and healthy gill function

🧪 Good water quality is essential—Corydoras are sensitive to ammonia and nitrate buildup, especially in the substrate.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Corydoras melanotaenia is an omnivorous bottom feeder. It should not rely on leftovers from tankmates—target feeding is necessary.

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking pellets or bottom-feeder wafers

• Protein Sources:

  • Bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp (frozen or live)

• Vegetables (optional):

  • Spirulina tablets or finely blanched zucchini

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily; ensure food reaches the bottom

⚠️ Avoid overfeeding—uneaten food in the substrate can cause bacterial issues and barbel damage.

🤝 Compatibility & Tankmates

• Ideal Tankmates:

  • Peaceful community fish: Tetras, rasboras, Apistogramma, pencilfish

  • Other Corydoras, Otocinclus, and small loaches

• Avoid:

  • Large or aggressive fish

  • Bottom dwellers with territorial or food-competitive behavior

💡 Always keep in groups of 6 or more to promote schooling behavior and reduce stress.

🐣 Breeding Behavior

Breeding Corydoras melanotaenia is achievable in well-conditioned aquariums.

• Spawning Type: Egg scatterer

• Spawning Setup: Bare-bottom or sand tank with sponge filter

• Triggers:

  • Lower-temperature water changes

  • Increased high-protein feeding

• Egg Care:

  • Adults may eat eggs; relocate eggs or move parents post-spawning

  • Use anti-fungal treatments or clean, aerated water for incubation

• Fry Feeding:

  • Begin with infusoria or liquid fry food

  • Transition to baby brine shrimp and micro-pellets as they grow

📝 Quick Care Summary

🔧 Expert Tips

• Use black or dark sand to showcase the metallic green-gold body

• Avoid sharp substrates or rough decor to prevent barbel injury

• Consider floating plants to diffuse light and reduce surface glare

• Keep water parameters consistent—fluctuations can lead to stress and illness