Venezuelan Cory (Corydoras venezuelanus)

The natural form of the Venezuelan cory

This is the Venezuelan cory, Corydoras venezuelanus, in its natural colouring: a metallic grey-green body with a warm orange patch over the shoulder and the back of the head. It is a different fish from the all-orange Orange Venezuelan Corydoras and from the all-black Venezuelan cory. Like all corydoras it is a peaceful, social armoured catfish that spends its day sifting the substrate for food.

The care values published with this fish give a maximum size of 5–8 cm, with females growing larger than males.

What you receive

Choose 2.5–3 cm, 1.5–2 cm, 3.5–4 cm or XL, then set the quantity to the number of fish you want. One quantity is one live Venezuelan cory; sex is not guaranteed. A size that is out of stock this week cannot be added to the basket.

The photos show this natural form; the strength of the orange shoulder patch varies between individuals and develops as they grow.

Aquarium and water

Plan for a group of at least five on an aquarium base of 80 × 30 cm or more (about 72 litres). Use fine, smooth sand or rounded fine gravel to protect the barbels, with plants, wood and shaded resting places. Keep 25–27°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and 5–15 dGH — the overlap of FishBase, Seriously Fish and OATA’s catfish guidance. Add the group only to a mature, cycled aquarium and keep nitrate low with regular partial water changes.

Feeding

Feed sinking pellets or wafers made for bottom feeders, plus frozen or live bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp for variety. Make sure food reaches the bottom — corydoras should not live on leftovers.

Tank mates and behaviour

Peaceful with small, calm community fish that like similar water: tetras, rasboras, peaceful livebearers and other Corydoras. Avoid large or aggressive fish and anything that would pick at a slow bottom-dweller.

Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish

Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.

1. Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
2. Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
3. Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
4. Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.

If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the orange Venezuelan cory?

No. This is the natural form, with a grey-green body and an orange patch on the shoulder. The all-orange form and the all-black Venezuelan cory are separate listings.

How many should I keep?

At least five. Corydoras are social and much more confident and active in a group.

What water does it need?

25–27°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and 5–15 dGH in a mature aquarium with a fine, smooth substrate.

How big does it grow?

The care values published with this fish give 5–8 cm; females grow larger than males.

Public references

• FishBase: Corydoras venezuelanus — identity and recorded environment.
• Seriously Fish: Corydoras venezuelanus — aquarium size, water conditions and group size.
• OATA: How to look after freshwater catfish — substrate, feeding and water-quality guidance.
• RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.