Bronze Cory

The Bronze Cory is the most common and widely available corydoras species, and for good reason. These hardy, adaptable bottom-dwellers are perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. They have a bronze-green body with a pinkish belly and are available in several color variations including albino and black. Native to South America, Bronze Corys are extremely peaceful, active, and should be kept in schools of 6 or more. They are one of the hardiest corydoras and tolerate a wide range of water conditions.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Bronze Corys are adaptable but appreciate standard community conditions.

Essential Setup:

• 20+ gallons
• Sand or fine gravel (preferred sand)
• Plants and hiding spots
• Standard filtration
• Temperature 72-79°F

Water Quality

• Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.0-8.0 (very adaptable)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (3-15 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

One of the most adaptable corydoras species.

Feeding

Bottom-feeding omnivores:

• Sinking pellets or wafers
• Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp
• Algae wafers
• Flake food

Color Variations

• Bronze: Natural greenish-bronze
• Albino: Pinkish-white with red eyes (most common)
• Black: Dark variation
• Green: Emerald color variant

Behavior & Compatibility

Excellent community fish:

• Schooling: 6+ for best behavior
• Peaceful: Perfect for any peaceful tank
• Active: Fun to watch
• Hardy: Forgiving of beginner mistakes

Compatible With Virtually Any Peaceful Fish:

• All tetras and rasboras
• Gouramis
• Livebearers
• Dwarf cichlids
• Shrimp

Breeding

Very easy to breed:

• Trigger: Large cool water change (10°F drop)
• T-position: Characteristic spawning posture
• Egg laying: On glass, plants, decorations
• Fry care: Easy, feed baby brine shrimp
• Commercial breeding: Widely bred in captivity

Hardiness

Why they’re the most popular cory:

• Adaptable pH: 6.0-8.0
• Temperature flexible: 72-79°F
• Beginner friendly: Forgiving of mistakes
• Widely available: Every pet store
• Affordable: Inexpensive

Tips for Success

• School of 6+ minimum
• Sand substrate ideal
• Feed sinking foods
• Very forgiving species
• Perfect beginner corydoras