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Orange Venezuelan Corydoras

Posted by Max Gandara on on 8th Jun 2025

Orange Venezuelan Corydoras: The Bright, Busy Bottom-Dweller Every Tank Needs

In the vibrant world of aquarium fish, few bottom-dwellers are as charming and hard-working as corydoras catfish. Among them, the Orange Venezuelan Corydoras stands out with its warm, sunset-orange hues and energetic personality.

Whether you're building a peaceful community tank or looking to add a splash of color to your planted aquarium, this little armored catfish is a top choice for aquarists of all levels.

Species Overview

  • Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus 'Orange Venezuela'

  • Common Names: Orange Venezuelan Cory, Orange Cory Cat

  • Origin: Selectively bred variety of Corydoras aeneus, originally from South America

  • Size: 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm)

  • Lifespan: 5–8 years

  • Temperament: Peaceful, social

  • Tank Level: Bottom dweller

While this variety isn't found in the wild, it’s a selectively bred morph of the popular Bronze Corydoras, featuring a vibrant orange-to-copper tone along the back and head, with a silvery underbelly.

Appearance: A Flash of Orange Beneath the Leaves

The Orange Venezuelan Cory boasts a bright orange coloration across its upper body and dorsal area, fading into a cream or silver belly. Its rounded snout, armor-like body plates, and expressive eyes give it a cute, "perma-curious" look.

  • Color: Burnt orange back, silvery belly

  • Fins: Mostly clear or slightly tinted

  • Body: Compact, armored, and smooth in motion

  • Sexing: Females are usually larger and rounder, especially when full of eggs

Their colors intensify in clean, planted tanks with dark substrates and proper diet.

Tank Setup and Conditions

Corydoras are hardy and adaptable, but a comfortable setup ensures long-term health and natural behavior.

Tank Size:

  • Minimum: 20 gallons for a small group (6+ fish)

Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: Soft to moderate

  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel (to protect their barbels)

  • Décor: Live plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and caves

  • Lighting: Low to moderate

They thrive in well-oxygenated, mature aquariums with stable water quality. A sponge filter or gentle canister is ideal, as they dislike strong currents.

Social Behavior and Compatibility

Corydoras are highly social, peaceful, and best kept in groups of 6 or more. In small numbers, they become shy and less active.

Tankmates:

  • Excellent community fish that get along with:

    • Tetras (neons, cardinals, embers)

    • Rasboras

    • Guppies, mollies, platies

    • Dwarf gouramis

    • Other Corydoras

    • Otocinclus

Avoid aggressive or large fish (e.g., cichlids, large barbs) that may intimidate or harm them.

Feeding and Diet

Corys are bottom feeders, but they still require intentional feeding — don’t rely on leftover scraps alone.

Best Diet:

  • Sinking pellets (especially made for bottom feeders)

  • Frozen/live foods: Bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp

  • Vegetables: Blanched spinach, zucchini

  • Algae wafers: Occasionally, though not algae eaters

Feed 1–2 times per day, making sure food reaches the bottom before tankmates grab it.

Breeding Orange Venezuelan Corydoras

Breeding this variant is similar to breeding standard Bronze Corydoras.

Breeding Tips:

  • Condition with live/frozen protein-rich foods

  • Use a separate tank or a calm, well-planted section

  • Perform a cool water change to trigger spawning

  • Males chase females, who lay adhesive eggs on glass or plants

  • Remove adults after spawning to protect eggs

Fry hatch in 3–5 days and can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food, followed by baby brine shrimp.

Health and Care Tips

Corydoras are generally resilient, but they have specific sensitivities:

Watch For:

  • Barbel erosion: Caused by rough substrate or poor water

  • Fin rot: From stress or unclean water

  • Oxygen deprivation: Keep the tank well-aerated

? Cory fact: They gulp air at the surface to supplement oxygen — don’t worry if they dash up occasionally.

Why Choose the Orange Venezuelan Cory?

  • ✅ Peaceful and community-friendly

  • ✅ Eye-catching orange coloration

  • ✅ Active, fun to watch, always scavenging

  • ✅ Hardy and beginner-friendly

  • ✅ Easy to breed with patience

Final Thoughts

The Orange Venezuelan Corydoras is much more than just a cleanup crew. With its glowing orange back, charming behavior, and peaceful nature, it’s a perfect addition to almost any freshwater tank — especially those with a soft substrate and gentle tankmates.

Whether you're new to Corydoras or adding to an established collection, this colorful variant brings both utility and beauty to your aquatic world.