Description
Description
Venezuelan Cory Catfish (Corydoras venezuelanus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Corydoras venezuelanus
Common Names: Venezuelan Cory, Venezuelan Cory Cat, Cory Catfish
Family: Callichthyidae (Cory Catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes
Origin: South America — rivers and streams in Venezuela
Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm) in captivity
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Tank Zone: Bottom dweller; peaceful and social
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 100 – 200 ppm
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F)
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Small, armored catfish with light silver to olive body and subtle dark markings along the sides; short barbels near mouth for scavenging.
Behavior: Peaceful, active in groups; excellent scavenger and bottom cleaner.
Swimming Style: Constantly moves along the bottom; occasionally swims mid-level in planted areas.
Unique Feature: Shoaling species — displays natural behavior only in groups of 5 or more.
Nature: Gentle, hardy, and ideal for peaceful community tanks.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous bottom feeder
Diet: Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia), blanched vegetables
Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small portions
Tip: Feed in groups to ensure all fish get food; ensure food reaches the bottom
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 L) for a small group
Filtration: Moderate filtration; maintain good oxygenation
Decor: Soft sand or smooth substrate to protect barbels, driftwood, and plants
Lighting: Low to moderate
Water Change: 20–25% weekly for clean, stable water
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 5 or more (shoaling species)
Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish — tetras, rasboras, guppies, dwarf cichlids
Avoid: Aggressive or large fish
✅ Do’s
Keep in groups to encourage natural shoaling behavior
Provide soft substrate to protect barbels
Maintain stable water parameters
Offer varied diet for optimal health
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep alone — can become stressed
Don’t house with aggressive fish
Don’t use sharp gravel
⭐ Quick Tips
The Venezuelan Cory Catfish is a peaceful, active, and hardy bottom-dweller, perfect for community aquariums.
Thrives in planted tanks with soft substrate and groups of 5 or more, making it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking small, social, and gentle freshwater fish.
