The Orange Venezuelan Cory (Corydoras venezuelanus) is a popular, vibrant freshwater catfish prized for its striking copper-orange "blaze" and metallic shoulder patches. Originally found in the Rio Tuy and Lake Valencia drainages of northern Venezuela, they are now a staple in the aquarium hobby due to their peaceful nature and hardiness. Key Characteristics Appearance: Compact, rounded body reaching 2 to 2.5 inches (5–6 cm) in length. They feature a bright orange hue on their backs that intensifies as they mature. Behavior: They are social, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in groups of 6 or more. They spend their time sifting through substrate, acting as an effective "cleanup crew" for leftover food. Compatibility: Excellent for community tanks with other peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, and guppies. Aquarium Care Requirements Substrate: Soft sand or fine, smooth gravel is essential to prevent injury to their sensitive barbels. Water Parameters: Temperature: 72°F to 80°F (22–27°C). pH: 6.0 to 8.0 (neutral to slightly acidic preferred). Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. Diet: Omnivores that require a variety of sinking pellets, wafers, and occasional treats like frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a healthy school. Breeding They are relatively easy to breed. Spawning is often triggered by a cool water changeand high oxygen levels. They perform a "T-position" mating dance before the female deposits eggs on surfaces like glass or plants.
