Black Venezuelan Cory

Black Venezuelan Cory (Corydoras sp. 'Black Venezuela')

A Unique and Striking Bottom-Dweller for Freshwater Aquariums

The Black Venezuelan Cory is a stunning and increasingly popular variant of the Corydoras family, known for its deep, velvety black coloration and peaceful nature. This elegant fish is a selectively bred morph of the Corydoras aeneus species and thrives in community aquariums with clean water and soft substrates. Their active yet gentle behavior makes them a favorite for aquarists seeking both visual appeal and functional bottom-dwellers.

Product Details:

Scientific Name: Corydoras sp. "Black Venezuela"

Size: Typically 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.5 cm)

Origin: Bred variant of Corydoras aeneus

Lifespan: 5 to 8 years with proper care

Temperament: Peaceful and social; thrives in groups of 5 or more

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

pH: 6.0–7.5

Hardness: 2–12 dGH

Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons recommended for a small group

Diet:

Black Venezuelan Cories are omnivorous bottom feeders.

Accept sinking pellets, algae wafers, and quality flake food

Benefit from supplemental feedings of frozen or live bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp

Tank Setup and Care:

Soft, sandy substrate is ideal to protect their sensitive barbels

Provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, caves, and plants

Perform regular water changes to maintain high water quality

Peaceful tank mates recommended; avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species

Behavior:

These corydoras are active during the day and enjoy schooling with their own kind. Their constant foraging and group interactions bring lively movement to the lower levels of the aquarium. They are also known to occasionally "gulp" air from the surface, a normal behavior due to their ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen.

The Black Venezuelan Cory is a standout addition to any freshwater setup, blending function and beauty while helping to keep the tank clean. Ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists.