{"product_id":"black-cory-catfish-corydoras-schultzei","title":"Black Cory Catfish – Corydoras Schultzei","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"tropicflow-product-description\" style=\"max-width: 920px; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- QUICK ANSWER --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background: #f5faf8; border-left: 4px solid #016141; padding: 18px 20px; margin: 0 0 28px 0; border-radius: 4px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 18px;\"\u003eQuick Answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 8px 0 0 0;\"\u003e\n      The \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Cory Catfish (Corydoras schultzei)\u003c\/strong\u003e, often sold as the\n      \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Schultzei Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e,\n      is a striking dark-colored Cory prized for its charcoal-to-nearly-black body,\n      subtle bronze or maroon undertones, and peaceful social behavior. This aquarium\n      strain is closely associated with the Bronze Cory complex and is best kept in\n      groups of \u003cstrong\u003e6 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e in a mature freshwater aquarium with soft\n      substrate, clean water, and peaceful tank mates.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- INTRO --\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Cory Catfish (Corydoras schultzei)\u003c\/strong\u003e is an eye-catching\n    Cory variety known for its deep charcoal, dark brown, bronze-black, and sometimes\n    nearly jet-black coloration. Its dramatic appearance creates strong contrast\n    against green aquarium plants and lighter substrates, making it one of the most\n    visually distinctive dark Cory varieties available in the freshwater hobby.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Also known as the \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Schultzei Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e,\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Corydoras\u003c\/strong\u003e, or in the aquarium trade as the\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e, this peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish\n    combines unusual coloration with the familiar social behavior, armored body,\n    barbels, and active foraging style associated with Cory-type catfish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The very dark aquarium form has been selectively maintained and line-bred in\n    captivity. Individual fish can range from deep bronze or dark maroon to\n    charcoal-black, and their coloration may become darker when they are comfortable\n    and maintained over a suitable substrate.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eTaxonomy note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The name \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e is still\n    widely used in the aquarium trade for Black Schultzei Corys. Current taxonomic\n    databases generally treat \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e as a junior synonym within\n    the Bronze Cory complex, whose accepted name is \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster aenea\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    Because the traditional trade name remains important for aquarium identification\n    and product searches, both names may be encountered.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- INFORMATION TABLE --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Black Cory Catfish Care Information\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x: auto; margin: 18px 0 30px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 520px;\"\u003e\n      \u003ctbody\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003cth style=\"background: #016141; color: #fff; text-align: left; padding: 12px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd; width: 38%;\"\u003e\n            Care Requirement\n          \u003c\/th\u003e\n          \u003cth style=\"background: #016141; color: #fff; text-align: left; padding: 12px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Black Cory Information\n          \u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Black Cory, Black Cory Catfish, Black Schultzei Cory\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrade Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Black Venezuelan Cory\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific \/ Trade Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrent Taxonomic Association\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster aenea\u003c\/em\u003e Complex\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Selectively Bred Dark \/ Black Form\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Approximately 2.5–3 inches\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            72–79°F (22–26°C)\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            6.0–7.5\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            20+ Gallons Recommended\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Group Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            6+ Recommended\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Peaceful \u0026amp; Social\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Omnivore\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Bottom Dweller\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Beginner-Friendly\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Captive-Bred Black Form; Parent Lineage from South America\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n      \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- APPEARANCE --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    What Does a Black Cory Catfish Look Like?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e is best known for its unusually\n    dark coloration. Healthy individuals can display shades ranging from\n    dark bronze and chocolate-brown to charcoal, maroon-black, or nearly\n    solid black.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Depending on the viewing angle and aquarium lighting, subtle bronze,\n    green, or metallic reflections may appear across the armored plates of\n    the body.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The fins are typically dark, smoky, or translucent-black, helping create\n    a much more uniform dark appearance than the common Bronze Cory.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Individual coloration can vary. Genetics, age, diet, stress, aquarium\n    lighting, substrate color, and overall condition can all influence how\n    dark a Black Schultzei Cory appears.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- BLACK COLOR --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Why Is the Black Cory So Dark?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The aquarium form sold as the \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Schultzei Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e has\n    been selectively bred for increased dark pigmentation. Over generations,\n    aquarists maintained fish with increasingly intense charcoal and black\n    coloration to produce the distinctive dark strain available today.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Unlike a naturally patterned Cory with spots or stripes, the main visual\n    attraction of the Black Cory is its more uniform dark body color.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background: #f5faf8; border-left: 4px solid #016141; padding: 18px 20px; margin: 26px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color: #016141;\"\u003eBlack Cory Color Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 7px 0 0 0;\"\u003e\n      Black Cory coloration can range from deep bronze or dark maroon to\n      charcoal-black. Fish may temporarily appear lighter after shipping,\n      during stress, or over very bright substrate. Color commonly becomes\n      stronger as the fish settles into a stable aquarium.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- BLACK VS BRONZE --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Black Cory vs. Bronze Cory Catfish\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e is closely associated with the\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBronze Cory complex\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their basic body shape, social\n    behavior, adult size, diet, and aquarium requirements are therefore\n    very similar.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The main aquarium difference is coloration. Standard Bronze Corys usually\n    display bronze, olive-green, gray, and metallic green tones, while the\n    selectively maintained Black Cory form develops dramatically stronger\n    dark pigmentation.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    For aquarists who enjoy the hardy, peaceful characteristics of Bronze-type\n    Corys but want a more unusual visual appearance, the Black Cory provides\n    a distinctive alternative.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- BLACK VENEZUELAN NAME --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Is the Black Cory the Same as the Black Venezuelan Cory?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The names \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e,\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Schultzei Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e, and\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e are often used for the same or\n    closely related dark aquarium strain in the ornamental fish trade.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    However, the name “Black Venezuelan Cory” can be misleading if interpreted\n    as a precise wild locality. The dark aquarium strain itself was developed\n    through captive selective breeding, and the trade name does not necessarily\n    indicate that the fish was collected from Venezuela.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This fish should also not be confused with the\n    \u003cstrong\u003eOrange Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is sold under\n    \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e and displays a very different\n    orange-bronze coloration.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- BEHAVIOR --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Black Cory Behavior \u0026amp; Group Size\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Corys are \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful, social bottom-dwelling fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    and should not be kept alone. We recommend maintaining at least\n    \u003cstrong\u003e6 Black Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e together.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    In a proper group, they can often be seen exploring the substrate together,\n    searching for food, resting near one another, and moving around the aquarium\n    floor as a loose school.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Larger groups may display even more confident and natural social behavior\n    when aquarium size, filtration, and usable bottom space allow.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Like other Cory-type catfish, Black Corys may occasionally make a rapid trip\n    to the water surface to gulp atmospheric air before returning to the bottom.\n    Occasional surface visits are a normal part of Cory behavior.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- TANK SETUP --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Ideal Aquarium Setup for Black Cory Catfish\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A \u003cstrong\u003e20-gallon or larger freshwater aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a\n    practical starting point for a proper group of Black Corys. Horizontal\n    bottom space is particularly important because these fish spend much of\n    their time moving and foraging along the aquarium floor.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A \u003cstrong\u003efine sand substrate or smooth rounded fine gravel\u003c\/strong\u003e is\n    recommended. Black Corys use sensitive barbels around their mouths to\n    search for food, so sharp or abrasive substrate should be avoided.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Live plants, driftwood, smooth rocks, shaded areas, and leaf litter can\n    create a comfortable natural-style environment while leaving open sections\n    of substrate for the Cory group to explore and forage.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A darker substrate and background can create a dramatic display while\n    allowing the Black Cory's metallic undertones to remain visible under\n    aquarium lighting.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- WATER --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Black Cory Water Parameters\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Cory Catfish generally do well at temperatures around\n    \u003cstrong\u003e72–79°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e with a pH of approximately\n    \u003cstrong\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    More important than constantly adjusting the aquarium to reach an exact\n    number is maintaining \u003cstrong\u003eclean and stable water conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n    Keep Black Corys in a fully cycled aquarium with appropriate filtration,\n    good oxygenation, and regular water changes.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero, and sudden changes in\n    temperature or water chemistry should be avoided. Keeping the substrate\n    clean is especially important because Cory catfish spend significant\n    amounts of time directly in contact with the aquarium floor.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- DIET --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    What Do Black Cory Catfish Eat?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Corys are omnivorous foragers\u003c\/strong\u003e and should receive\n    a varied, nutritious diet formulated for bottom-dwelling freshwater fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality sinking pellets, tablets, or wafers can form the foundation\n    of their diet. Supplement prepared foods with appropriately sized frozen\n    or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, Tubifex, and\n    similar nutritious foods.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A varied diet combined with clean water and stable aquarium conditions\n    helps support healthy growth, body condition, activity, and natural\n    dark coloration.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background: #fff8e8; border-left: 4px solid #d49a17; padding: 16px 18px; margin: 20px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Corys should not be purchased simply\n    as aquarium “cleaner fish.” Although they naturally forage along the\n    substrate and may consume available food, they require their own\n    complete and nutritious diet. Cory catfish are not a substitute for\n    regular aquarium cleaning and maintenance.\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- TANK MATES --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Black Cory Catfish Tank Mates\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The peaceful temperament of the \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    makes it suitable for many freshwater community aquariums.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Potential tank mates may include peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios,\n    peaceful livebearers, peaceful gouramis, compatible dwarf cichlids,\n    other suitable Cory catfish, and other non-aggressive freshwater species\n    with overlapping water requirements.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive bottom dwellers, and species that\n    may repeatedly chase, injure, intimidate, or prevent the Black Corys from\n    feeding comfortably.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- WHY BLACK CORY --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Why Choose Black Cory Catfish?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cul style=\"padding-left: 22px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeep charcoal-to-black body coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnique selectively bred Cory variety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSubtle bronze, maroon, and metallic undertones\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful temperament for community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eActive and entertaining bottom-dwelling behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for planted freshwater aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSocial behavior when maintained in a proper group\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBeginner-friendly when kept in a mature aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDistinctive alternative to the standard Bronze Cory\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- IMPORTANT BEFORE BUYING --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background: #f5faf8; border: 1px solid #d8e8e2; padding: 20px; margin: 30px 0; border-radius: 5px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 21px; margin: 0 0 10px 0;\"\u003e\n      Before Buying Black Cory Catfish\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003e\n      Black Corys are social fish and should not be kept alone. Plan to keep\n      \u003cstrong\u003e6 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e and make sure your aquarium is fully cycled\n      before introducing them. Provide fine or smooth substrate, peaceful tank\n      mates, stable water conditions, a clean aquarium floor, and enough\n      horizontal bottom space for your Cory group to comfortably explore\n      and forage.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- FAQ --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Black Cory Catfish FAQ\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      What is a Black Cory Catfish?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      The Black Cory is a selectively maintained dark Cory variety commonly\n      sold under the trade name \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e. It is known\n      for its dark bronze, charcoal, maroon-black, or nearly black coloration\n      and peaceful bottom-dwelling behavior.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      Is Corydoras schultzei a valid species?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e remains widely used in the aquarium trade,\n      but current taxonomic references generally treat it as a junior synonym\n      within the Bronze Cory complex, with \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster aenea\u003c\/em\u003e used as\n      the accepted species name. Some taxonomic references note that the status\n      of the name may still warrant additional study.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      Is the Black Cory the same as a Black Venezuelan Cory?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      The names Black Cory, Black Schultzei Cory, and Black Venezuelan Cory\n      are frequently used for the same dark aquarium strain in the ornamental\n      fish trade. The “Venezuelan” trade name should not necessarily be treated\n      as a precise statement about the origin of the selectively bred black form.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      Is the Black Cory the same as an Orange Venezuelan Cory?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      No. The Black Cory is a dark selectively bred form commonly sold as\n      \u003cem\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/em\u003e, while the Orange Venezuelan Cory is sold\n      under the name \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e and is known for its\n      orange-bronze coloration. They should not be confused based on the\n      similar trade names.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      How big do Black Cory Catfish get?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Adult Black Corys generally reach approximately\n      \u003cstrong\u003e2.5–3 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e. Mature females are often larger and\n      fuller-bodied than males.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      How many Black Cory Catfish should be kept together?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Keep Black Corys in a group of at least \u003cstrong\u003e6 fish\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n      They are highly social catfish and generally display more confident,\n      active, and natural behavior when maintained with a proper group.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      What temperature is best for Black Cory Catfish?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      A practical aquarium temperature range for Black Corys is approximately\n      \u003cstrong\u003e72–79°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Choose tank mates with compatible\n      temperature and water requirements.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      Why is my Black Cory turning lighter?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Cory coloration can temporarily become lighter because of shipping stress,\n      environmental changes, very bright substrate, intense lighting, or other\n      stressors. Once settled into a stable aquarium, healthy Black Corys may\n      display deeper dark pigmentation again. Persistent color loss combined\n      with abnormal behavior should prompt a review of water quality and fish health.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      Are Black Cory Catfish peaceful?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Yes. Black Corys are peaceful social catfish and work well in many\n      freshwater community aquariums containing other non-aggressive species\n      with compatible care requirements.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      What do Black Cory Catfish eat?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Black Corys are omnivorous foragers. Feed a varied diet containing\n      quality sinking pellets, tablets, or wafers supplemented with\n      appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as bloodworms,\n      brine shrimp, daphnia, and Tubifex.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: 700; color: #016141;\"\u003e\n      Do Black Corys clean the aquarium?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Black Corys naturally forage along the aquarium floor for food,\n      but they should not be considered aquarium maintenance animals.\n      They require intentional feeding with nutritious sinking foods,\n      regular water changes, and normal substrate cleaning.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- FINAL --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: 34px; padding: 22px; background: #016141; color: #fff; border-radius: 5px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2 style=\"color: #fff; font-size: 23px; margin: 0 0 10px 0;\"\u003e\n      Black Cory Catfish at Tropicflow Aquatic\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003e\n      Add dramatic dark coloration and classic Cory personality to your\n      freshwater aquarium with the \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n      With its charcoal-to-black body, subtle metallic undertones, peaceful\n      temperament, and active social behavior,\n      \u003cstrong\u003eCorydoras schultzei\u003c\/strong\u003e is an eye-catching choice for\n      planted aquariums and peaceful freshwater community tanks.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Tropicflow","offers":[{"title":"1 Fish","offer_id":52689847189802,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Fish","offer_id":52689847222570,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 Fish – Recommended","offer_id":52689847255338,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/6237\/5466\/files\/Black-Corydoras-catfish-1.png?v=1789885758","url":"https:\/\/tropicflow.com\/products\/black-cory-catfish-corydoras-schultzei","provider":"Tropicflow","version":"1.0","type":"link"}