BLACK VENEZUELA CORY CATFISH | CORYDORAS SCHULTZEI

The Black Venezuela Cory Catfish (Corydoras schultzei “Black”) is a stunning and peaceful bottom-dwelling freshwater fish prized for its rich, velvety black coloration and calm personality. This striking variant of the Corydoras schultzeioriginates from Venezuela and is a selectively bred form of the classic Bronze Cory. Its deep black body with subtle metallic undertones makes it a standout in community aquariums, especially against light-colored substrate or vibrant plants.

Adults typically grow to about 2.5 inches (6 cm) and, like all corydoras, are social schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least six or more. In a group, they exhibit fascinating social behavior, constantly foraging and interacting along the tank bottom.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–15 dGH

Tank setup: Black Venezuela Corys prefer a soft, sandy substrate that allows them to sift for food without damaging their delicate barbels. Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, caves, and live plants like Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, or Anubias. They thrive in clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate flow and subdued lighting. A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended for a small group.

Diet: These corys are omnivorous scavengers and will happily eat sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Supplement their diet with high-quality bottom-feeder foods to ensure proper nutrition and coloration.

Temperament and tankmates: The Black Venezuela Cory is extremely peaceful and ideal for community aquariums. It gets along with virtually all calm fish species, including tetras, rasboras, guppies, platies, gouramis, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that might outcompete them for food.

Breeding: Like most corydoras, they are egg layers. With good conditioning on protein-rich foods and a slight temperature drop combined with frequent water changes, they will spawn readily. Eggs can be collected and raised separately to increase survival rates.

In summary, the Black Venezuela Cory Catfish is a beautiful, hardy, and social bottom dweller that adds contrast, movement, and personality to any freshwater community tank. Its jet-black color and gentle nature make it a favorite among aquarists who want a peaceful yet visually striking aquarium species.