
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Osteogaster aenea
The best known corydoras, with flanks that shine metallic bronze and a greenish sheen over the shoulder. It is hardy and tolerant of a wide range of water chemistry.
Osteogaster aenea is a small callichthyid catfish ranging east of the Andes from Colombia and Trinidad to the La Plata basin. The 2024 generic revision moved it out of Corydoras aeneus. FishBase records 7.5cm standard length and Seriously Fish gives 65-75mm. The flanks shine metallic bronze with a greenish sheen over the shoulder. Aquarium conditions are broad at 21-27C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 2-15dGH, with an 80 x 30cm base and about 72 litres as the guide. It is peaceful and gregarious, and should be kept in groups of at least four to six. Selectively bred albino and long-finned strains are well established, while artificially dyed and short-bodied specimens also circulate and are best avoided. Breeding uses two males per female, triggered by a large water change with cooler water. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Bronze Corydoras lives 5-8 years.
The Bronze Corydoras grows to 6.5-7.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the Bronze Corydoras is 21〜27℃.
Origin
South America (Colombia and Trinidad to the La Plata basin, east of the Andes)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Osteogaster aenea (Gill, 1858)
Synonyms: Corydoras aeneus
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
6.5-7.5cm
Temperature
21〜27℃
Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex
An 80 x 30cm base, about 72 litres, is the guide. Use fine rounded sand to protect the barbels and keep it scrupulously clean. The fish gulps air at the surface, so never block access to it.
21-27C, pH 6.0-8.0, 2-15dGH. FishBase records 25-28C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-19dH in the wild.
Peaceful and gregarious; keep at least four to six. It mixes well with peaceful small and medium fishes, but not with larger species that will take its food on the bottom.
A foraging omnivore. Offer sinking dried food plus frozen bloodworm and Tubifex. It must never be expected to live on leftovers or to clean the tank.
Use two males per female. Once females are gravid, make a 50-70 percent water change with cooler water and raise oxygenation and flow. Eggs are laid on glass, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
Assessed Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Artificially dyed and short-bodied specimens are in circulation; both place a burden on the fish and are best avoided.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Bronze Corydoras is 21〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Bronze Corydoras is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Bronze Corydoras typically reaches 6.5-7.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Bronze Corydoras feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Bronze Corydoras varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026