Black Venezuelan Corydoras

Black Venezuelan Corydoras (commonly traded as Corydoras schultzei “Black,” within the Corydoras aeneus group)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring rich charcoal coloration and gentle bottom-level activity to your freshwater aquarium with Black Venezuelan Corydoras. Their dark bodies create a striking contrast against pale sand and green plants, with coloration varying between individuals and as they settle in. A comfortable group explores the substrate together, using sensitive barbels to search for food before resting in shaded retreats. Despite their trade name, these fish are commonly regarded as a captive-developed black form associated with the aeneus group, rather than simply a black version of Red or Orange Venezuelan Corydoras. Occasional trips to the surface for air are normal, but frequent surface visits or labored breathing warrant a water-quality and oxygenation check.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Easy to moderate; best in an established aquarium

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 inches; females usually larger

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 gallons long for a group; larger aquariums recommended for additional bottom dwellers and community stocking

• Temperature: 72–79°F

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, approximately 2–20 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore; requires dedicated sinking foods

• Swimming Area: Bottom, with occasional trips to the surface

• Recommended Quantity: At least 6 Black Venezuelan Corydoras when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide fine sand or smooth, rounded substrate, open foraging areas, and shaded retreats among plants and driftwood. Black Venezuelan Corydoras do best in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions, clean substrate, and good oxygenation. Avoid sharp gravel, keep access to the surface unobstructed, and use a secure lid. Regular maintenance is essential; these fish do not replace substrate cleaning or water changes.

Good companions include peaceful small tetras, rasboras, and small gouramis with compatible care requirements. Plant-safe snails and adult dwarf shrimp may coexist, though tiny shrimplets can be eaten opportunistically. Avoid aggressive fish, larger predators, and territorial bottom dwellers that may prevent them from feeding or resting. Provide enough floor space for every bottom-dwelling species, and keep a group of Black Venezuelans rather than relying on unrelated cory species to meet their social needs.

Feeding

Offer a quality sinking catfish pellet or wafer as a staple, supplemented with Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm when it reaches the bottom, Daphnia, and Bloodworms. Adjust food size for younger fish. Feed small portions in open areas and confirm that each fish gets food; feeding near lights-out can help in busy community aquariums. Black Venezuelan Corydoras are not algae eaters and should never be expected to survive on scraps or fish waste.