Description
Species Overview
The Orange Venezuelan Cory Catfish (Corydoras aeneus “Venezuela”) is one of the most striking and sought-after Corydoras available to freshwater aquarists. Combining the peaceful personality that has made Bronze Corys a longtime favorite with brilliant orange to copper body coloration and an iridescent blue-green saddle across the back, this beautiful South American catfish brings constant activity and vibrant color to the bottom of the aquarium.
At Aquatic Arts, we offer both our classic Tank-Bred Regular Fin Orange Venezuelan Corys and our beautiful Locally Bred Longfin variety. The longfin form features elegantly extended dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins that flow gracefully as the fish glide across the substrate, while the regular-fin variety closely resembles the natural body shape found in wild populations. Both variants share the same peaceful temperament, hardiness, and fascinating social behavior that make this species one of the best Corydoras for community aquariums.
Unlike many bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their time hiding, Orange Venezuelan Cory Catfish remain active throughout the day. They constantly patrol the aquarium floor in coordinated groups, sifting through sand with their sensitive barbels in search of tiny food particles while occasionally darting to the surface for a quick gulp of atmospheric air—a completely normal behavior unique to Corydoras catfish.
Whether you’re building your first peaceful community aquarium or adding another beautiful Corydoras species to an established collection, Orange Venezuelan Cory Catfish provide endless activity, gentle personalities, and stunning coloration that continues to improve as they mature in a healthy planted aquarium.
What We Love About This Fish
Brilliant orange body highlighted by an iridescent blue-green saddle
Available in both classic regular-fin and elegant locally bred longfin varieties
Constantly active during daylight hours
Peaceful community fish that thrives in groups
Excellent choice for planted aquariums and nature-inspired aquascapes
Hardy, beginner-friendly, and rewarding for experienced hobbyists alike
Fun to watch as they forage together across the aquarium floor
Quick Care Guide
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: 2.5–3 Inches
Diet: Omnivore (Sinking Pellets, Frozen Foods, Live Foods, Repashy)
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Swimming Zone: Bottom
Group Size: 6 or More (They are highly social schooling catfish that become more confident, active, and display more natural behaviors when maintained in groups.)
Schooling: Yes — Orange Venezuelan Cory Catfish naturally live in groups and rely on companionship for security. Keeping them in schools encourages synchronized foraging, reduces stress, and brings out their most engaging behavior.
Source:
Tank-Bred (Regular Fin)
Locally Bred (Longfin)
Average Purchase Size: 0.75–1.25 Inches
Recommended Water Parameters
Temperature: 72°–78°F (22°–26°C)
pH: 6.5–7.8
GH: 4–12 dGH
KH: 2–8 dKH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
This species appreciates clean, well-oxygenated water with stable parameters and gentle water movement. Frequent water changes and mature biological filtration help maintain healthy barbels and vibrant coloration.
