Golden Green Corydoras

Corydoras melanotaenia

Note: Due
to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided.

Care

The Green Gold Cory is an ideal species for peaceful,
softwater community aquaria where a slightly cooler-than-average water
temperature is maintained. The substrate should consist of soft sand in order
to protect the delicate sensory barbels, with plenty of shady hiding spots
provided amongst tangles of driftwood. Peat filtration and leaf litter will
both help to acidify the water whilst giving it a natural  tea-coloured appearance with the tannins that
are released. Whilst plants are not a big feature of this species' natural
habitat, they may make the aquarium more aesthetically pleasing. Green Gold
Cories are highly sociable and must be kept in groups of 5 or more. The
aquarium should be well mature before this species is added and frequent
partial water changes are a must, as they can be rather sensitive to elevated
nitrate levels. Large shoals of small midwater ?dither fish' will encourage
these somewhat shy fish out into view, but be sure that any tankmates are also
happy at slightly lower temperatures before purchasing. Corydoras have the
ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the
surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to
the surface and take air in. They may do this numerous times per day. May also
be seen on sale as the Elongated Bronze Cory.

Feeding

Sinking catfish pellets/granules/tablets, flake, and frozen
foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp
etc.

Breeding

A large, slightly cooler water change, coupled with a
slight increase in water flow and oxygenation, may trigger mature pairs into
spawning. The fish will adopt the classic ?T position? where the male
fertilises the eggs that are held between the female?s pelvic fins. The
adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, d?cor, or the sides of the
aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs, which may number up to 150,
generally take 4-5 days to hatch after which time the tiny fry should be
offered finely powdered first foods. A few days later they will be able to take
newly hatched brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and microworm. To avoid predation
and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another
aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited.