Common Brown Cory

Common Brown Cory

Callichthyidae

The Common Brown Cory is a popular aquarium fish known for its vibrant colors and Easy of care. It belongs to the family Callichthyidae and is native to the South America

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Temperature

72-78°F (22-26°C)

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Minimum Tanksize

76 Litres (20 US G.)

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Water type

Freshwater

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Suitable PH

6.0 - 7.5

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Native

South America

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Size

2-3 inches (5-8 cm)

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Life Span

5–10 years

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Caring

Easy

How To Care For Common Brown Cory

The Common Brown Cory (Corydoras aeneus) is one of the most popular and easily recognizable species of corydoras catfish, known for its peaceful nature, ease of care, and beneficial cleaning behavior. It is a small, bottom-dwelling fish that originates from the rivers and streams of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin, where it feeds on detritus and small invertebrates.

The Common Brown Cory has a smooth, cylindrical body that is typically brown or olive in color with a subtle metallic sheen, which gives it a bronze or golden appearance. It has a triangular-shaped head with a set of barbels near its mouth, which it uses to sift through the substrate in search of food. The body is generally small, growing to about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in length, with a broad, flat underside and a slightly curved back.

These corydoras are peaceful, social fish that thrive in groups of at least six individuals. They are active bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging the substrate for food. Their playful and curious nature makes them fun to watch, and they often interact with other fish in the aquarium. While they are not aggressive, they do enjoy being in a school where they feel secure.

Common Brown Corys are also beneficial members of a community tank as they help keep the substrate clean by consuming leftover food, algae, and detritus. They are non-territorial and can coexist peacefully with many species in a community tank.

In the wild, Common Brown Corys are found in slow-moving waters with sandy or fine gravel substrates. In the aquarium, they require a tank with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group. The tank should have plenty of hiding spots, such as plants, rocks, or caves, as well as open areas for foraging.

The water should have a pH of 6.0-7.5, with a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C) and a hardness of 4-12 dGH. They prefer a gentle water flow, which can be achieved with a sponge filter or a gentle powerhead. The aquarium substrate should be soft and fine, as rough substrates may damage their delicate barbels.

Common Brown Corys are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. They are bottom feeders that will accept sinking pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They are efficient scavengers and help clean up leftover food from the tank. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

  • Keep them in groups of at least six to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
  • Provide a soft, fine substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
  • Regularly clean the tank to prevent waste accumulation, as they can stir up debris while foraging.
  • Offer a balanced diet, including sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live or frozen foods.

With proper care, the Common Brown Cory can live for 5-7 years. It grows to an average size of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm), making it an ideal addition to smaller aquariums. These fish are slow growers but can reach their full size in a year or two.

The Common Brown Cory is a fantastic choice for beginner aquarists due to its peaceful nature, ease of care, and ability to help maintain a clean tank. Its social behavior and bottom-dwelling habits make it a lively and engaging species to keep in a community aquarium.

Common Brown Cory is a fascinating aquarium fish that stands out with its vibrant colors. It belongs to the family Callichthyidae and is native to the South America.

This species has a care level of Easy and requires a minimum tank size of 76 Litres (20 US G.). It typically reaches a size of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm).

Preferred water parameters include a specific gravity (sg) of Freshwater, pH ranging from 6.0 - 7.5, and a temperature between 72-78°F (22-26°C). Additionally, maintaining water hardness within the range of 5-19 dGH is essential.

For stocking, the recommended ratio is 1:2-3 M:F. The Common Brown Cory is widely available and has a diverse diet that includes mnivorous; sinking pellets, flakes, live/frozen foods .

With a life span of 5–10 years, this species is known for its very easy care requirements. It is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Providing a well-maintained tank environment with suitable water conditions will ensure the health and vibrancy of this captivating species.

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