Species profile
Bronze Corydoras
Osteogaster aenea
Peaceful
Easy care
80 L minimum aquarium
5–7.5 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Hardy social armoured catfish that should be kept on soft sand in a proper group. It is not an algae-eater and must receive dedicated sinking food.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
18–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH
Not yet documented
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
None
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
0.9
Peaceful and social. Keep at least six of its own kind and provide shaded resting areas, clean substrate and easy access to the surface for facultative air breathing.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
80 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Osteogaster aenea
Alternative names
Bronze Cory, Corydoras aeneus
Native range
Northern and eastern South America; the broad traditional 'aeneus' concept includes populations across a wide geographic area.
Natural habitat
Quiet shallow water and some running-water habitats. Soft sand, shaded wood/plant cover, moderate circulation and excellent substrate hygiene suit the species.
Diet & feeding
Feed sinking catfish pellets/granules with varied frozen/live invertebrates. Do not rely on leftovers from midwater fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females grow larger and are noticeably broader when viewed from above; males are slimmer.
Breeding
Egg layer using the characteristic Corydoradinae T-position; adhesive eggs are deposited on plants, decor or glass.