November 2

Sarah Robertson

Beware of Imposters! How to Spot a Real Black Corydoras

Corydoras are peaceful and social fish that make an excellent addition to any freshwater community aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for and tolerant of different water conditions. Corydoras are bottom dwellers and will spend most of their time scavenging the substrate for food. Brown, gray, albino, and black are just a few of the many camouflage hues found on the cory catfish.

The rare Black Corydoras (Corydoras schultzei) is a color variant of the Gold Flash Cory Catfish. Its entire body has a black and dark maroon sheen. The Black Venezuela Cory Catfish is a schooling fish, so it should be kept in groups of at least 5 or 6. It is peaceful and can be kept with other small fish. If you want to know more about keeping and caring for Black Corydoras, read on for the ultimate care guide.

A Quick Black Corydoras Care Table 

  • Scientific name: Corydoras(ln7) schultzei
  • Diet: omnivores
  • Care Level: Easy
  • Compatibility: Peaceful
  • Ph: 6.0 - 7.5.
  • Temperature: 72° - 82° F (22° - 28° C)
  • Water hardness: 2 - 15 dKH
  • Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons for a school of 6
  • Tankmates: Corydoras, other peaceful fish
  • Breeding: Egg layers
  • Size: 2.4 inches (6.1 cm)
  • Life expectancy: 3-5 years

Black Corydoras Size 

The Black Corydoras can grow up to 2.4 inches (6.1 cm), but they are usually only about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) when they are sold in fish stores.

There are many factors that can affect a Black Corydoras' growth rate, including diet, water conditions, and tank mates.

Black Corydoras Lifespan 

The average lifespan of a Black Corydoras is 3-5 years. However, most of them rarely live longer than a year in captivity due to poor water conditions and lack of food. To ensure that your Black Corydoras have a long and healthy life, it is important to provide them with the proper diet and care.

Black Corydoras

Black Corydoras Appearance 

Black Corydoras are small, bottom-dwelling fish that has black body with dark maroon spots. These Corydoras have wide, flat undersides and dorsal fins that point upward like sails.

The pectoral fins of a cory catfish protrude from the fish's body and help to support it on surfaces. They have flattened heads and wide mouths. The barrels (whisker-like appendages) on their snout help them to find food in the substrate. Their eyes are large and located on the top of their head.

The Black Corydoras is a color variant of the Gold Flash Cory Catfish. It is one of the rarest and most sought-after Corydoras. These small species are aquarium bred and are very difficult to find in the wild.

Like any other corydoras, the black cory also has armored plates running along its body. These bony plates are actually embedded in the fish's skin and provide protection from predators and injuries.

Gender Differences 

Males and females are very difficult to tell apart. The easiest way to sex Corydoras is by their reproductive organs. Males have a long, thin organ called a gonopodium, while females have a shorter, broader organ called an ovipositor.

Black Corydoras Behavior 

Black Corydoras are peaceful and social fish that do well in groups. They are small, peaceful fish that hide at the bottom of the tank during the day and shoal with other fish at night. These are filter-feeding fish that have a specialized respiratory lining enabling them to absorb oxygen from the air. Occasionally, cory catfish rise to the top of the tank to breathe above water.

Black corydoras are diurnal, which means they sleep at night and are active during the day. The fish move slowly around the bottom of the tank, looking for food in the dirt. Black cory like any other Cory catfish, are omnivores and will eat just about anything. In the wild, they eat small insects, larvae, worms, and plant matter. In captivity, they should be fed a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live food, and frozen food.

Black Corydoras are very active fish that need a lot of space to swim. They should be kept in a tank with plenty of hiding places and a sandy bottom. These timid fish can easily be stressed by bright lights and loud noises. When they are first introduced to a new tank, they may hide for several days until they feel comfortable in their new environment.

Black Corydoras tank Setup 

Black corydoras are very hardy species and can live in a wide range of water conditions. However, it is very important to provide them with some basic needs in order to ensure their long-term health and happiness.

The following are some of the things you'll need to create a comfortable environment for your black corydoras:

Tank Size

Black Corydoras are best kept in a school of at least 6 fish. They should be kept in a tank that is at least 20 gallons (75 L) for a school of six fish. These fishes are very active and need a lot of space to swim. The tank should also have plenty of hiding places for the fish to retreat to when they feel stressed.

Water Conditions 

The black corydoras are easy to care for and can live in a wide range of water conditions. However, it is best to provide them with water that is clean and well-oxygenated. The following are the ideal water parameters for black corydoras:

PH level: 6.0 – 7.5

Temperature: 72°F - 80°F

Water hardness: 2 - 15 DH

The nitrate and ammonia levels in the water should be as close to 0 as possible. Regular water changes are essential to keeping the water quality high.

Substrate 

The black corydoras prefer a sandy substrate that is soft and easy on their barbels. They also like to dig in the substrate, so it is important to choose a substrate that won't damage their delicate barbels. The following are some of the best substrates for black corydoras:

  •  River sand
  • Gravel
  • Play sand

Plants and Decorations 

The black corydoras are timid fish that like to hide, so it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding places. Driftwood, rocks, and live plants are all good options. Make sure that the decoration you are using does not have any sharp edges that could damage the fish's barbels. Live Plants are not essential, but they can help to create a more natural environment for the fish. The following are some of the best plants for black corydoras:

  • Java fern
  • Anubias

If you don't want to use live plants, you can also use fake plants. Just make sure that the plants you choose are safe for aquarium use and won't damage the fish's barbels. Clean the plants before putting them in the tank to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the water.

Filtration 

The black corydoras are very sensitive to water conditions and need a filter that can provide them with clean and well-oxygenated water. The following are some of the best filters for black corydoras:

  • Canister filters
  • Hang-on-back filters
  • Undergravel filters
  • Power filters

The filter you choose should be able to turn over the entire volume of water in the tank at least once per hour.

Lighting 

Black corydoras are very sensitive to light and should be kept in a tank that has low lighting. The following are some of the best lighting options for black corydoras:

  • Fluorescent lights
  • LED lights

The light should be dimmed or turned off during the night as these fishes are known to rest during the night.

Heating 

Black corydoras are tropical fish and need a water heater to maintain a consistent water temperature. The following are some of the best water heaters for black corydoras:

  • Submersible heaters
  • Immersion heaters

The water heater should be able to maintain the water temperature within the ideal range of 72°F - 82°F. Even though these fishes can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, it is still best to provide them with water that is within their ideal range.

Black Corydoras Tank Maintenance 

Water Changes: The black corydoras are very sensitive to water conditions and need regular water changes to stay healthy. It is best to do a water change of at least 25% once per week.

Cleaning the Tank: The tank should be cleaned on a regular basis to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated. The following are some tips for cleaning the tank:

  • Use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate.
  • Remove any algae that have accumulated on the glass with an algae scraper.
  • Clean the filter media according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Trim any plants that have become overgrown.
  • Wash any decorations that have become dirty.

Monitoring the Water Quality: It is important to monitor the water quality on a regular basis to make sure that the black corydoras are staying healthy.

Black Corydoras

Black Corydoras Diet 

These species of Corydoras are not fussy eaters and will accept a wide variety of foods. They are omnivorous, which means that they will eat both meaty and vegetable-based foods. The following are some of the best foods for black corydoras:

  • Live food: Providing the fish with a diet of live food is the best way to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. Live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia are all good options.
  • Frozen food: Frozen foods are a good alternative to live foods and can be just as nutritious. Some of the best-frozen foods for black corydoras include bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Flake food: Flake foods are an easy way to provide fish with a nutritious diet. There are many different types of flake food available, so be sure to choose one that is made for omnivorous fish. Read the label carefully to make sure that the food you are choosing is high in both protein and plant matter.
  • Pellets: Another simple method to give the fish a balanced diet is by using pellets. They are rich in nutrients and can be easily digestible. It is available in many pet stores. Choose pellets that are not too large for the Corydoras to consume.
  • Vegetables: Black corydoras also need to have vegetables in their diet to stay healthy. Vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and broccoli are all good options. These vegetables can be blanched or steamed to make them easier for the fish to digest.

There are many things to keep in mind while feeding black corydoras. The following are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Feed the fish small meals several times a day instead of one large meal.
  • Avoid overfeeding as this can lead to water pollution and health problems for the fish.
  • Remove any uneaten food from the tank after a couple of minutes to avoid water pollution.
  • Be sure to provide a variety of foods to ensure that the fish are getting all of the nutrients they need.
  • Do not feed live food to the fish more than once a week as this can lead to digestive problems.

Black Corydoras Diseases 

Although black corydoras are generally healthy fish, they can still be susceptible to diseases if the water conditions are not ideal. The following are some of the most common diseases that these fish can get:

  • Ich: Ich is one of the most common diseases that fish suffer from. It might be a significant issue since it has the ability to harm the fish. The white specks that cover the body and gills are signs of this illness. It's caused by a parasite, and it typically affects fish who are kept in filthy water due to stress. The fish might stop eating and become lethargic as the ich parasite will make it feel uncomfortable. If not taken care of, this disease can be fatal for black corydoras. The best way to treat ich is by raising the temperature of the water and adding salt to the tank. The high temperature will speed up the life cycle of the ich parasite, and the salt will help to kill it. Be sure to do a large water change and clean the tank thoroughly before adding the fish back in.
  • Fin Rot: Many fish will face the problem of fin rot. The fins will look as if they're decaying due to bacterial infection. If you detect ragged fins on your cory catfish, it's likely that it has fin rot. You should test the acidity of the fish tank's water to ensure that it is correct. A low or high pH level can cause this disease. Maintaining the ideal water conditions is essential to preventing fin rot. Add salt to the tank to help kill the bacteria that are causing the fin rot. Be sure to do a large water change and clean the tank thoroughly before adding the fish back in.
  • Red Blotch Disease: This disease is also known as red body disease or red pest. It's caused by a bacterium that infects the fish's skin. The symptoms include red patches on the body and fins, as well as inflammation. This disease is often fatal if not treated promptly. Treating the fish entails using antibiotics to cure the disease. It'll also be critical to address any water quality concerns that caused the fish to become sick in the first place.
  • Gill Flukes: Gill flukes are a type of parasitic flatworm that can infect the gills of fish. The symptoms include lethargy, trouble breathing, and inflammation of the gills. If not treated, this disease can be fatal. The best way to treat gill flukes is by using a commercial treatment that is specific to this disease. Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully.]
  • Popeye Disease: Popeye disease is a condition that results in the bulging of one or both eyes. It's often caused by poor water quality, but it can also be caused by physical trauma or infection. The best way to treat popeye's disease is by improving the water quality and addressing any underlying health concerns. If the fish has an infection, you might need to treat it with antibiotics.
  • Dropsy: Dropsy is a condition that causes the fish's body to swell up. It's often caused by poor water quality or infection. If not treated, dropsy can be fatal. The best way to treat dropsy is by improving the water quality and addressing any underlying health concerns. If the fish has an infection, you might need to treat it with antibiotics.
  • Issues with Nitrates: High levels of nitrates in the water can cause a number of problems for fish. These include lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased susceptibility to disease. The best way to reduce nitrates is by doing regular water changes and avoiding overfeeding. You can also add live plants to the tank, as they will help to absorb some of the nitrates.

Common Symptoms 

There are a few common symptoms that can indicate that your black corydoras is sick. These include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Gasping for air
  • Floating upside down
  • Clamped fins
  • Red patches on the body or fins
  • Inflammation
  • Bulging eyes
  • Swollen body

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to take action right away. The sooner you can identify the problem and treat it, the better the chances are that your fish will recover.

Prevention 

If you want to prevent your black corydoras from getting sick, there are a few things you can do. The following are some tips for keeping your fish healthy:

  • Maintain good water quality: This is perhaps the most important thing you can do to prevent disease. Be sure to do regular water changes and keep an eye on the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
  • Avoid overfeeding: Be sure to give your fish only as much food as they can eat in a couple of minutes.
  • Quarantine new fish: When you add new fish to your tank, be sure to quarantine them for at least two weeks. This will help to ensure that they are not sick and will not spread disease to your other fish.
  • Remove sick fish: If you have a fish that is sick, it's important to remove them from the tank as soon as possible. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Feed a balanced diet: Be sure to give your fish a varied diet that includes all the nutrients they need. A good quality commercial food is a good option, or you can supplement it with live foods.
  • Do not overcrowd: Overcrowding can stress fish out and make them more susceptible to disease. Be sure to provide enough space for your fish to move around and be comfortable.
  • Add live plants: Live plants can help to improve water quality and provide a place for fish to hide.
Black Corydoras

Black Corydoras Breeding 

Many beginning aquarists start with Corydoras catfish. Corydoras are a relatively simple breed to look after, requiring little care. It's an enjoyable experience to keep Corydoras catfish and reap a variety of benefits. This article is for novices who are either just getting started or want to learn more about breeding Corydoras.

Selecting the Pair 

In order to ensure successful spawning, it is always best to select a group of three. One female and two males. They must be healthy and of a similar size. Avoid any that show signs of illness such as cloudy eyes, clamped fins, or gray patches on their body. These fish are more likely to pass on diseases to the fry.

The female should be larger than the male so that she can lay more eggs. Looking for their coloration and behavior is also an important step in choosing the right mates. The female should be darker in color and have a more rounded belly. The male will usually be smaller and have longer fins.

If you cannot find a group of three, two will suffice, but it is not recommended.

Conditioning the Pair 

Once they've been split up, it's time to start conditioning them. Conditioning is a straightforward procedure. Because they are bottom feeders, focus on giving them a diet that contains mostly meat.

To condition the fish, you will need to do two things:

  • Feed them a high-quality diet
  • Perform regular water changes

For the first week, feed them small amounts several times a day. After the week is up, you can start feeding them larger meals, but only once a day. As the fish get closer to spawning, you will want to cut back on the amount of food you're giving them. This will help to stimulate their appetite and encourage them to spawn.

It's also important to perform regular water changes during this time. aim for a 20% water change each week. Be sure to use dechlorinated water when you do the water changes.

Preparing the Breeding Tank 

When setting up the tank for breeding, it is important to create a space that is comfortable for the fish. The water should be clean and of good quality. A filter is necessary to keep the water clean and remove any waste. Be sure to do regular water changes to keep the water clean.

The tank should also have plenty of hiding places for the fry. Driftwood, rocks, and plants are all good options. The plants will also help to keep the water clean. Be sure to use live plants that are not poisonous to the fish.

Spawning 

The breeding fish will assume the "T" posture, with the female swimming up to the male's abdomen. The sperm will be released by the male to fertilize the eggs. Before selecting a location to deposit them, the female lays her eggs in her pelvic fin. In small clusters of approximately 4-12 eggs, the eggs will be strewn about. After the female has released all of her eggs, they must be removed from the tank. This is because the parents will likely eat them.

The fry will hatch in about 5-7 days.

Black Corydoras Fry Care 

They will be very small and vulnerable at this stage. Add Methylene Blue to the water, which will help to prevent fungal infections. The eggs will hatch in the next 6 days and must be fed very small live foods such as microworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia. After a few weeks, you can start feeding them powdered food and flakes.

As they grow, you will need to provide them with more food. You can feed them bloodworms, tubifex worms, or chopped earthworms. Be sure to chop the earthworms into small pieces so they can digest them easily. As they reach adulthood, you can start feeding them pellets and flakes. Be sure to provide them with a variety of food so they can get all the nutrients they need.

Breeding Black Corydoras is not difficult, but it does require some planning and preparation. If you are up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with a beautiful and unique fish.

Frequent Questions 

How big do black corydoras get? 

The average black corydoras size is 2.5 inches (6.4 cm). However, if you want them to reach their maximum size it is very important to provide them with the correct diet and care.

What do black corydoras eat? 

The diet of black corydoras should consist of mostly meat. This can be in the form of live food, pellets, or flakes. Be sure to provide them with a variety of food so they can get all the nutrients they need.

How many corydoras are black? 

There are currently no black corydoras in the wild. All of the black corydoras that you see for sale have been bred in captivity.

Are black corys rare? 

Yes, black corydoras are quite rare. This is because they are man-made color variations. They are not found in the wild.

Can you keep black corydoras with gravel? 

Yes, black corydoras can be kept with gravel. Be sure to use small size gravel so they can easily dig and forage for food. Use gravel that is smooth so it does not damage their barrels.

Do black corydoras need a heater? 

Yes, black corydoras need a heater to maintain a warm water temperature. They prefer a water temperature of 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit (22-26 degrees Celsius).

Conclusion 

Black Corydoras are beautiful and unique fish. They are known for their striking black coloration. These fish are peaceful and make a great addition to any community tank. They are easy to care for and are a good choice for beginner aquarists. With proper care, they can live for 3-5 years.

They prefer a tank size of 20 gallons or more. They should be kept in groups of 5 or more. Be sure to provide them with plenty of hiding places and a sandy bottom. They are bottom-dwelling fish and prefer to stay close to the substrate.

These species of corydoras are omnivores and should be fed a diet of pellets, flakes, and live food. Be sure to provide them with a variety of food so they can get all the nutrients they need. If you are looking for a unique and beautiful fish, the Black Corydoras is a great choice.

Sarah Robertson


I am a passionate blogger who also happens to be a fish keeping enthusiast. Writing about my hobby is something that I absolutely love to do, and it's no secret that my chosen topic is always centered around fish keeping.

Sarah Robertson

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