Green Aeneus Corydoras

Green Aeneus Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus; also classified as Osteogaster aenea)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring a subtle metallic shimmer and gentle bottom-level activity to your freshwater aquarium with Green Aeneus Corydoras. Their bronze-green sides contrast with a pale underside, catching the light as a settled group explores among plants. These peaceful, social catfish use sensitive barbels to search the substrate for food before resting together in shaded retreats. Green Aeneus are a color form of the bronze cory, not the larger Emerald Green 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 of the same species 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. Green Aeneus Corydoras do best in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions, clean substrate, and good oxygenation. Plan for their adult size when choosing an aquarium. Avoid sharp gravel, keep access to the surface unobstructed, and use a secure lid. 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. Bronze and albino aeneus corys are varieties of the same species and can join their social group; unrelated cory species should not be relied on to meet that need. Provide enough floor space for every bottom-dwelling species.

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. Green Aeneus Corydoras are not algae eaters and should never be expected to survive on scraps or fish waste.