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Scientific Name Corydoras (lineage 7) venezuelanus  Ihering, 1911
Common Names Venezuela's Cory
Venezuela-pansermalle (Denmark)
Type Locality Río Cabriales, Valencia, State of Carabobo, Venezuela.
Pronunciation kor ee doh rass (lineage seven). - venn ez wayl ann us
Etymology Cory = helmet, doras = skin. In this case it was incorrectly used to mean armour (cuirasse) instead of skin in allusion to the dual rows of plates that run along the flanks of this genus. venezuelanus, from Venezuela where the fish is found.
Hop to next section Species Information
Size 55mm or 2.2" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification This species can be confused with Corydoras aeneus, and indeed C. venezuelanus is usually considered a junior synonym of that species. However, there is the opinion that C. aeneus should be restricted to the holotype form which is from the island of Trinidad. Furthermore, C. venezuelanus is a large Cory, and is restricted to a limited range in two closed drainage systems (Rio Tuy and Lake Valencia) situated north of the serrania del interior. It is the only Cory in these waters.

Conversely, commercially bred specimens can be shorted bodied than their wild counterparts and balloon form variants are available. C. venezuelanus has a large oval green/black spot covering the shoulder and a distinct iridescent reddish-brown spot on the nape.

This species is almost never exported from Venezuela as it is found in coastal drainages that are not collected by exporters. Because of its scientific name, it is often muddled with the confusing trade name for the captive bred black form of Corydoras schultzei.
Sexing Females are larger, up to 50mm, and more robust than males as with most Corydoras sp.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
Distribution This species is common throughout the lower reaches of streams and rivers in both the Rio Tuy and Lake Valencia drainages of northern Venezuela in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and Carabobo. It can also be found in nearby Orinoco drainage rivers and streams such as the Rio Chirgua. It is a piedmont species that prefers cooler waters and is never found in the llanos (plains).
Tuy (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Valencia (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category Not Evaluated
pH 6.8 - 7.8
Temperature 19.0-25.0°C or 66.2-77°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters Prefers clear waters with a neutral pH and moderate hardness.
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
Furniture Natural habitat is cool, clear water that rarely rises above the low to mid 70s. Currents run fast in most of these streams and the substrate is typical of high gradient streams (rounded stones and gravel). To replicate the natural habitat, place a few fist sized stones in the tank and then add a half inch deep substrate composed of one part pea gravel and three parts fine sand. The tank should be set up with a filtration device the provides a moderate current. Driftwood and a few aquatic plants would complete the set up.
Breeding Typical of the genus. Ian Fuller reported that his fish spawned the day after a water change when the tank had the following water parameters; ph 7, GH 9dH, KH 2, and temp 76. These parameters are very similar to those found in their natural habitat.
Breeding Reports There is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
Reference Rev. Mus. Saão Paulov. 8 (1910) - pp383
Registered Keepers There are 2 registered keepers, view all "my fish" data.
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Last Update 2020 Mar 13 08:48 (species record created: 2001 Nov 05 00:00)