Corydoras schultzei
£3.99
Out of stock
The Black Venezuela Corydoras (Corydoras schultzei) is a peaceful, schooling bottom-dwelling catfish prized for its sleek black and dark maroon coloration, thriving best in groups with soft sand substrate and stable freshwater conditions. Appearance and Size The Black Venezuela Cory displays an entirely black to dark maroon body, with young fish sometimes showing reddish fins that darken with age Their average adult size ranges from 2.4 to 3 inches (6–8 cm) These catfish have delicate barbels near their mouths, which are essential sensory organs and must be protected from rough substrates Temperament and Social Behavior This species is peaceful, sociable, and non-aggressive, making it an ideal addition to community aquariums. Black Venezuela Corydoras are shoaling fish, and it is recommended to keep them in groups of at least 5–6, though larger schools are preferable for natural behavior They are bottom dwellers, actively foraging across the substrate for food and occasionally surfacing for air due to their ability to breathe intestinally Tank Requirements Minimum tank size: 15–20 gallons for small schools, larger tanks recommended for groups Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect their barbels from injury Decor: Include driftwood, rocks, caves, and plants to provide hiding spots and mimic natural habitat Lighting: Moderate or low-intensity lighting to reduce stress Water Parameters: Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C) pH: 6.0–7.5 Hardness: 2–15 dGH Maintain zero ammonia/nitrites and low nitrates Diet and Feeding Black Venezuela Corydoras are omnivores. Recommended diet includes: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers formulated for bottom-dwellers Frozen or live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia Occasional vegetable matter: blanched zucchini, cucumber, or spinach Feed once or twice daily, only what they can consume in a few minutes, observing all individuals receive food to avoid dominance issues Tank Mates Ideal companions are peaceful, small community fish such as tetras, guppies, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, and other Corydoras species Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may compete for food or stress the corys. Shrimp and snails can be included with caution, as smaller shrimp may be preyed upon during feeding Breeding Separate breeding tank: soft sandy substrate, stable water parameters Conditioning: High-quality varied diet for both sexes Spawning behavior: Male fertilizes eggs held by the female’s pelvic fins in a 'T position'; female deposits adhesive eggs on decor or plants Egg care: Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg predation; eggs hatch in 3–5 days; feed fry with infusoria or finely powdered initial foods, transitioning to newly hatched brine shrimp Sexual dimorphism: Females are generally larger and rounder, especially when carrying eggs Health and Maintenance Common health issues include Ich, fin rot, and barbel infections, primarily due to poor water quality or abrasive substrates Regular partial water changes, substrate cleaning, and careful monitoring are essential for maintaining their health. These fish are hardy under proper care but require consistent stable water conditions Summary The Black Venezuela Corydoras is an engaging, peaceful, and visually striking aquarium catfish that thrives in well-maintained community tanks. Key points for success include group housing, soft substrate, stable water parameters, a varied diet, and tank enrichment with plants and hiding places. With proper care, they can live up to 5–8 years in captivity