{"product_id":"venezuela-black-corydoras","title":"Venezuela Black Corydoras","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; line-height:1.75;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuela Cory (Osteogaster cf. schultzei “Black”)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA striking tank-bred Cory known for its deep black to dark chocolate body colour, peaceful schooling behavior, and classic bottom-foraging personality.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The Black Venezuela Cory is one of the darkest and most distinctive Cory-type catfish available in the aquarium hobby.\n    It is also commonly searched as Black Venezuelan Cory, Black Corydoras, Black Cory Catfish, or \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black”.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Despite the common trade name, this fish should not be confused with the true Venezuelan Cory forms historically associated with \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    The aquarium strain commonly sold as Black Venezuela Cory is generally associated with the \u003cem\u003eschultzei\u003c\/em\u003e\/\u003cem\u003eaeneus\u003c\/em\u003e group and is a selectively bred black form rather than a wild Venezuelan locality fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Following the recent reclassification of many Corydoras species, members of the traditional \u003cem\u003eaeneus\u003c\/em\u003e group are now placed in the genus \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    Because the exact taxonomic status of \u003cem\u003eschultzei\u003c\/em\u003e is still being evaluated, we use the practical designation \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster cf. schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black” while retaining the familiar Black Venezuela Cory name for the aquarium trade.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy this fish stands out\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDeep black to dark chocolate body coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMuch darker appearance than common Bronze Corys\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful and highly social bottom-dwelling catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent contrast in planted and aquascaped tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTank-bred strain with good aquarium adaptability\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eActive, entertaining group behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for Cory collectors and community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePlanted community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCorydoras collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful tropical fish communities\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquariums with fine sand substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCustomers looking for a dark or black freshwater fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquarists looking for Black Corydoras in Canada\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopick Aquarium Insight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Venezuela Corys are often purchased because of their colour, but their social behavior is just as important.\n    One or two Corys may survive, but a proper group behaves completely differently.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    In a group, they forage together, rest together, explore more confidently, and spend considerably more time in the open.\n    For this reason, we recommend purchasing them as a group rather than as a single decorative bottom fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Another common misunderstanding is that Corys are “cleaner fish” that can survive on leftovers.\n    They will forage through the substrate, but they still need their own complete sinking foods.\n    A clean aquarium with properly fed Corys is much healthier than an aquarium where they are expected to live from waste.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Venezuela Cory Really From Venezuela?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The name is misleading.\n    The common aquarium strain sold as Black Venezuela Cory is not normally treated as a black form of true \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    It is widely associated in the aquarium hobby with the \u003cem\u003eschultzei\u003c\/em\u003e\/\u003cem\u003eaeneus\u003c\/em\u003e lineage and was developed as a selectively bred dark strain.\n    The “Black Venezuela” name became established in the trade and remains the term most customers recognize.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We therefore retain Black Venezuela Cory as the common product name while using the more accurate scientific\/trade designation \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster cf. schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black”.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuela Cory vs Venezuela Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    These names are often confused, but they should not automatically be treated as the same fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuela Cory:\u003c\/strong\u003e selectively bred deep-black aquarium strain associated with the \u003cem\u003eschultzei\u003c\/em\u003e\/\u003cem\u003eaeneus\u003c\/em\u003e group\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVenezuela Cory:\u003c\/strong\u003e historically used for Venezuelan forms within the broader \u003cem\u003eaeneus\u003c\/em\u003e complex\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVenezuela Orange Cory:\u003c\/strong\u003e typically shows warm orange or bronze coloration rather than a nearly solid black body\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This distinction is especially important when purchasing fish for breeding or maintaining a specific Cory line.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Group Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Venezuela Corys are peaceful, social bottom dwellers that spend much of the day searching the substrate for food and exploring the lower areas of the aquarium.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend keeping at least \u003cstrong\u003e6 fish\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n    Groups of \u003cstrong\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e are even better when aquarium size allows and usually produce more confident and natural behavior.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Occasional rapid trips to the surface are normal.\n    Cory-type catfish can gulp atmospheric air and then return to the bottom.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Venezuela Corys are adaptable, but a properly designed bottom area makes a major difference to their long-term health and natural behavior.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e20 gallons or larger recommended for a proper group\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLonger tank footprint preferred over a tall narrow aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFine sand is strongly recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmooth fine gravel can also work if it has no sharp edges\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePlants, driftwood, leaf litter, and shaded areas provide security\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGood filtration and oxygenation recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMaintain clean substrate without allowing heavy waste accumulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Fine sand allows Corys to naturally sift through the substrate with their barbels and mouth.\n    Rough or sharp substrate should be avoided because repeated contact can damage sensitive barbels and the underside of the fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrade Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Venezuela Cory\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific \/ Trade Designation:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster cf. schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black”\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOlder Aquarium Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black”\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Venezuela Cory, Black Venezuelan Cory, Black Corydoras, Black Cory Catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 22–26°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e soft to moderately hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 5–6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful and social\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beginner to Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tank-bred Black Venezuela Corys are generally adaptable to a reasonable range of aquarium conditions.\n    Stable temperature, clean water, adequate oxygen, and consistent maintenance are more important than constantly chasing an exact pH value.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Venezuela Corys are omnivorous bottom feeders and should receive their own complete diet.\n    They are not able to live healthily on fish waste or leftover food alone.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHigh-quality sinking Cory or catfish pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFine sinking granules\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrozen bloodworms in moderation\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDaphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTubifex or blackworms from safe sources\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOccasional vegetable-containing sinking foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Feed after faster midwater fish have received food so enough reaches the bottom.\n    In heavily stocked community tanks, targeted feeding is often necessary.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Venezuela Corys are excellent community fish and work with a wide range of peaceful freshwater species.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDanios\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful gouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLivebearers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eApistogramma in appropriately sized tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOther peaceful Corys and catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Avoid large predators or highly aggressive bottom-dwelling fish.\n    When breeding dwarf cichlids, remember that Corys do not understand territorial boundaries and may repeatedly enter spawning areas.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShrimp Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Venezuela Corys are generally compatible with adult Neocaridina, Caridina, and Amano Shrimp.\n    They are not specialized shrimp hunters.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Extremely small newborn shrimplets can never be guaranteed in a community aquarium, but Corys are considerably safer around shrimp than predatory bottom fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Healthy mature Black Venezuela Corys can be bred in aquariums.\n    Females become noticeably broader when viewed from above, while mature males are usually slimmer.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Spawning is often encouraged by conditioning adults with quality frozen or live foods followed by a cooler water change.\n    Eggs are typically attached individually or in small groups to aquarium glass, plants, or other surfaces.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    For intentional breeding, eggs can be moved to a separate container or breeding tank to prevent adults and other fish from eating them.\n    Newly hatched fry require very small foods before progressing to baby brine shrimp and fine sinking foods.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanada-Wide Live Fish Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Venezuela Cory is available from Topick Aquarium in Canada when in stock.\n    Local pickup is available in Markham, Ontario, and Canada-wide live fish shipping may be available depending on weather, route, and livestock condition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The name “Black Venezuela Cory” is a long-established aquarium trade name and should not be interpreted as proof that this selectively bred black strain originates from Venezuela.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Corydoras taxonomy has also changed significantly in recent years.\n    Older aquarium references may use \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e, while newer classifications place the relevant lineage within \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    For this product we use \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster cf. schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black” as a cautious current designation.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a Black Venezuela Cory?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Black Venezuela Cory is a selectively bred, deep-black Cory-type catfish commonly associated with the \u003cem\u003eschultzei\u003c\/em\u003e\/\u003cem\u003eaeneus\u003c\/em\u003e group. It is also sold as Black Venezuelan Cory, Black Corydoras, or \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black”.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Venezuela Cory really from Venezuela?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The commonly sold aquarium strain should not be assumed to be a wild Venezuelan fish. “Black Venezuela” is a long-established trade name for the selectively bred black strain.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Venezuela Cory the same as Corydoras venezuelanus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    No. The common Black Venezuela aquarium strain is generally associated with the \u003cem\u003eschultzei\u003c\/em\u003e\/\u003cem\u003eaeneus\u003c\/em\u003e lineage and should not be labelled simply as a black form of \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the scientific name of Black Venezuela Cory?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Older aquarium literature commonly uses \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black”. Following recent Corydoras revisions, the lineage is placed within \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster\u003c\/em\u003e, although the exact species-level status of \u003cem\u003eschultzei\u003c\/em\u003e remains unresolved. We therefore use \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster cf. schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e “Black”.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many Black Venezuela Corys should I keep?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Keep at least 6. Groups of 8–10 or more usually show more confident, active, and natural social behavior when aquarium space allows.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does Black Venezuela Cory get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Adults are generally around 5–6 cm, with females often growing slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Black Venezuela Cory need sand?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Fine sand is strongly recommended because it allows natural sifting behavior and is gentle on the barbels. Smooth fine gravel can also work, but sharp substrate should be avoided.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Venezuela Cory a cleaner fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It will forage for food on the bottom, but it should not be treated as a waste cleaner. Corys require their own quality sinking foods and normal aquarium maintenance.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Black Venezuela Cory live with shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Adult dwarf shrimp and Amano Shrimp are generally compatible. Extremely small shrimplets may still be vulnerable in any community aquarium.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Venezuela Cory beginner-friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. Tank-bred Black Venezuela Corys are relatively hardy when kept in a mature aquarium with clean water, suitable substrate, proper feeding, and a group of their own kind.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is my Black Venezuela Cory turning lighter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Colour can change with stress, lighting, substrate, social condition, age, and overall health. Newly introduced fish may appear temporarily lighter and usually darken as they settle.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Topick Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"Single","offer_id":46350213939434,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"⭐ Popular • Group of 6","offer_id":46350213972202,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0605\/9091\/5818\/files\/images_30.jpg?v=1791216003","url":"https:\/\/topickaquarium.com\/products\/venezuela-black-corydoras","provider":"Topick Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}