Orange Venezuelan Cory:

• Scientific Name: Osteogaster venezuelanus (often still sold as Corydoras venezuelanus).
• Common Names: Orange Venezuelan Cory, Venezuelan Orange Catfish.
• Adult Size: A compact catfish, reaching approximately 5 cm (2 inches).
• Lifespan: Typically 5–8 years with excellent husbandry.
• Temperament: Exceptionally peaceful and gregarious. They are “shoaling” fish and must be kept in groups to thrive. 

• Tank Size: A minimum of 60–70 litres (approx. 2 feet in length) is suitable for a small shoal.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F). Note: They prefer slightly cooler water than some tropical species.
  • pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral, ideally 6.0 to 7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to medium-hard (2–12 dGH).
• Substrate: Use fine, rounded sand. Avoid sharp gravel, as it will erode their delicate sensory barbels (whiskers), leading to infections.
• Decor: Provide plenty of cover with bogwood, dried Indian Almond leaves, and live plants (such as Anubias or Java Fern). They enjoy shaded areas to rest during the day. 

• Feeding: They are omnivores that feed primarily on the substrate.
• Recommended Foods: High-quality sinking catfish pellets or wafers should be the staple.
• Treats: They relish live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp. Feeding just before “lights out” ensures they get their fair share.

• Group Size: To see their natural behaviour, keep a minimum of 6 individuals. In larger groups, they become much bolder and more active.
• Tank Mates: Excellent for community tanks. They pair well with small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids (like Apistogramma), and peaceful gouramis.
• Caution: Avoid housing them with large or overly aggressive fish (such as large cichlids or loaches) that may bully them or compete too heavily for food at the bottom. 

• Breeding Style: They are egg-depositors.
• Process: Often triggered by a cool water change (simulating the rainy season). The pair performs a “T-position” mating ritual, after which the female deposits sticky eggs on the aquarium glass or broad-leaved plants.
• Rearing: The parents do not guard the eggs and may eat them; for successful breeding, the eggs should be moved to a separate rearing tank.

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