{"product_id":"dark-form-venezuelan-cory-catfish-corydoras-venezuelanus","title":"Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish – Corydoras Venezuelanus","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\u003eDark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish (Corydoras venezuelanus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n      is a striking dark-colored Cory associated with the Venezuelan Bronze Cory\n      complex. Instead of the brighter orange-bronze appearance commonly associated\n      with standard Venezuelan Corys, the dark form can display\n      \u003cstrong\u003edeep bronze, charcoal, chocolate, olive-black, and smoky gray coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e,\n      sometimes with warm orange or copper highlights around the fins and body.\n      Peaceful and social, these Corys should be maintained in groups of\n      \u003cstrong\u003e6 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e in a mature freshwater aquarium with fine substrate,\n      clean water, and compatible community fish.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- INTRO --\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The \u003cstrong\u003eDark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish (Corydoras venezuelanus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    is an unusual aquarium form valued for its dramatically darker coloration.\n    While the familiar Venezuelan Cory is often recognized for warm orange-bronze\n    tones, dark forms may develop a much deeper charcoal, olive-brown, bronze-black,\n    or smoky appearance.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This fish may also be encountered in the aquarium trade under names such as\n    \u003cstrong\u003eDark Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eVenezuelan Black Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e,\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e, or\n    \u003cstrong\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus Dark Form\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Healthy fish may show subtle metallic green, copper, bronze, or orange reflections\n    beneath the darker pigmentation. Color intensity can change depending on genetics,\n    age, aquarium lighting, substrate, stress, and overall condition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eTaxonomy note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The name \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e remains\n    widely used in the aquarium hobby. Modern Cory specialists commonly place this\n    lineage in \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster\u003c\/em\u003e and may refer to it as\n    \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster cf. aeneus 'Venezuelanus'\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    Formal taxonomic databases remain more conservative and currently treat\n    \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e as a synonym of \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster aenea\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    For aquarium identification and SEO, the traditional\n    \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e name remains highly useful.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- INFORMATION TABLE --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Dark Form Venezuelan 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            Dark Form Venezuelan 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            Dark Form Venezuelan Cory, Dark Venezuelan Cory, Venezuelan Black 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\u003eScientific \/ Trade Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModern Hobby Placement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e \/ \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster cf. aeneus 'Venezuelanus'\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\u003eColor Form\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Dark \/ Melanistic Venezuelan-Type Form\n          \u003c\/td\u003e\n        \u003c\/tr\u003e\n\n        \u003ctr\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 style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\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\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 style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\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\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 style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\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\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 style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\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\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 style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLineage \/ Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n            Venezuelan \/ Northern South American Aeneus-Type Lineage; Dark Aquarium Forms Also Occur in Captive Lines\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 Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Look Like?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The \u003cstrong\u003eDark Form Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e has the familiar robust\n    Bronze Cory-type body shape but develops noticeably stronger dark pigmentation\n    than the standard orange or bronze Venezuelan form.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Individual fish may display shades ranging from\n    \u003cstrong\u003edark bronze and chocolate-brown to charcoal, olive-black, smoky gray,\n    or almost black\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Under aquarium lighting, subtle metallic green, bronze, copper, or blue-green\n    reflections may become visible across the armored body plates. Some fish may\n    also retain warm orange or copper coloration around portions of the fins or\n    shoulder area.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The exact appearance can vary significantly between individuals, particularly\n    because more than one dark Venezuelan-type or melanistic aeneus-type line has\n    historically circulated through the aquarium trade.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- DARK FORM --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    What Makes the Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Unique?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The main attraction of this form is its\n    \u003cstrong\u003edramatically increased dark pigmentation\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n    Instead of the brighter orange-bronze appearance associated with many\n    Venezuelan Corys, the dark form creates a more intense charcoal and\n    bronze-black appearance.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This makes it especially attractive in planted aquariums, where the dark\n    body can contrast strongly against bright green plants, pale sand,\n    driftwood, and natural botanical materials.\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;\"\u003eDark Form Color Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 7px 0 0 0;\"\u003e\n      Dark Venezuelan Cory coloration is naturally variable in the aquarium trade.\n      Some individuals may appear deep bronze or charcoal rather than solid black.\n      Fish can also arrive temporarily lighter after shipping and develop deeper\n      coloration once settled into a stable aquarium.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- DARK VS ORANGE --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Dark Venezuelan Cory vs. Orange Venezuelan Cory\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The \u003cstrong\u003eDark Form Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e and\n    \u003cstrong\u003eOrange Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e are associated with the same broader\n    Venezuelan aeneus-type complex but are selected or recognized for very\n    different appearances.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Orange Venezuelan Corys typically show a warmer\n    \u003cstrong\u003eorange, bronze, copper, and metallic green\u003c\/strong\u003e appearance.\n    The Dark Form develops substantially stronger charcoal, dark olive,\n    chocolate, or blackish pigmentation.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Both forms share the familiar peaceful temperament and social bottom-dwelling\n    behavior associated with this Cory lineage.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- DARK VENEZUELAN VS BLACK CORY --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Dark Venezuelan Cory vs. Black Cory Catfish\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The names \u003cstrong\u003eDark Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e,\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e, and\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e have historically been used inconsistently\n    within the aquarium trade.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A well-known melanistic aquarium strain of the Bronze Cory complex was\n    developed by selectively breeding unusually dark captive-born fish.\n    That line has sometimes been marketed as both\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Schultzei Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e and\n    \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Venezuelan Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    At the same time, dark Venezuelan-type wild or aquarium fish have also\n    circulated under similar names. Because these labels can overlap,\n    \u003cstrong\u003etrade names alone should not be treated as definitive taxonomic identification\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    For Tropicflow Aquatic, the product name\n    \u003cstrong\u003eDark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish – Corydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    clearly communicates the aquarium form being offered while preserving the\n    search terminology customers commonly use.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- TAXONOMY --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Is Corydoras Venezuelanus a Valid Species?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The taxonomy of the Venezuelan Cory complex remains complicated.\n    \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e was originally described from\n    \u003cstrong\u003eRío Cabriales near Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Formal taxonomic databases currently treat the name as a synonym of\n    \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOsteogaster aenea\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Bronze Cory.\n    However, Cory specialists continue to recognize Venezuelan forms as\n    distinctive aquarium fish and commonly use\n    \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e or related Venezuelanus designations.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Until the aeneus complex receives further revision, aquarists may encounter\n    several different scientific and trade names for these fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- BEHAVIOR --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Behavior \u0026amp; Group Size\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Dark Venezuelan Corys are\n    \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful, social bottom-dwelling fish\u003c\/strong\u003e and should not\n    be kept alone.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend maintaining at least\n    \u003cstrong\u003e6 Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e together.\n    A proper group generally encourages more confident, active, and natural behavior.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    In a comfortable aquarium, they can often be seen searching the substrate\n    together, resting near plants and driftwood, and moving around the lower\n    portion of the tank as a loose school.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Like other Cory-type catfish, they may occasionally make a quick trip to\n    the water surface to gulp atmospheric air before returning to the bottom.\n    Occasional surface visits are normal 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 Dark Form Venezuelan Corys\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 group of Dark Venezuelan Corys.\n    A longer aquarium footprint is especially useful because Corys spend\n    much of their time exploring the bottom.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A \u003cstrong\u003efine sand substrate or smooth rounded fine gravel\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    is recommended. Avoid sharp or abrasive substrate because these fish\n    use sensitive barbels around their mouths while searching for food.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Live plants, driftwood, smooth stones, shaded areas, and dried leaves\n    can provide security while leaving open substrate available for group foraging.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Their dark coloration can look particularly impressive against light sand,\n    natural wood, and bright green aquarium plants.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- WATER --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Water Parameters\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Dark Form Venezuelan 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    The broader Bronze Cory complex is adaptable to a range of freshwater\n    conditions, but stable water quality remains much more important than\n    constantly adjusting the aquarium to reach one exact number.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Keep these Corys in a \u003cstrong\u003efully cycled aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e with effective\n    biological filtration, good oxygenation, and regular water changes.\n    Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Maintaining a clean substrate is particularly important because these fish\n    spend much of their time directly on 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 Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish Eat?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    \u003cstrong\u003eDark Venezuelan Corys are omnivorous foragers\u003c\/strong\u003e and should\n    receive a varied diet specifically provided for bottom-dwelling fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    High-quality sinking pellets, tablets, or wafers can form the foundation\n    of their aquarium diet. Supplement prepared foods with appropriately sized\n    frozen or live foods such as:\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul style=\"padding-left: 22px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBloodworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBrine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDaphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTubifex\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBlackworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOther nutritious sinking foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A varied diet combined with stable water quality helps support healthy\n    growth, body condition, activity, and strong natural pigmentation.\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 Dark Form Venezuelan Corys should not be\n    purchased simply as aquarium “cleaner fish.” Although they naturally\n    forage along the aquarium floor, they require intentional feeding with\n    a complete diet. Cory catfish do not replace regular water changes,\n    substrate cleaning, and normal aquarium maintenance.\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- TANK MATES --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Tank Mates\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The peaceful temperament of the\n    \u003cstrong\u003eDark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e makes it suitable\n    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, small 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, highly territorial bottom dwellers,\n    and aggressive species that may chase, injure, or prevent the Cory\n    group from feeding comfortably.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- WHY DARK VENEZUELAN --\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003e\n    Why Choose Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish?\n  \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cul style=\"padding-left: 22px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeep bronze, charcoal, and smoky-black coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive dark variation of the Venezuelan Cory complex\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSubtle copper, green, and metallic undertones\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful temperament for freshwater community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eActive bottom-dwelling and group-foraging behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent contrast in planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSocial behavior when maintained in a proper group\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBeginner-friendly in a mature, stable aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInteresting alternative to Orange Venezuelan and Bronze Corys\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 Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish\n    \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003e\n      Dark Venezuelan Corys are social fish and should not be kept alone.\n      Plan to keep \u003cstrong\u003e6 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e and make sure your aquarium is\n      fully cycled before introducing them. Provide fine or smooth substrate,\n      peaceful tank mates, clean stable water, regular maintenance, and enough\n      horizontal bottom space for the entire group to comfortably explore\n      and forage. Expect some natural variation in darkness and metallic\n      coloration between individual fish.\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    Dark Form Venezuelan 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 Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      The Dark Form Venezuelan Cory is a dark-colored aquarium Cory associated\n      with the Venezuelan Bronze Cory complex. It may display deep bronze,\n      charcoal, chocolate, olive-black, or smoky coloration instead of the\n      brighter orange-bronze appearance commonly associated with standard\n      Venezuelan Corys.\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 venezuelanus still a valid scientific name?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      The name \u003cem\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e remains widely used in the\n      aquarium hobby. Formal taxonomic catalogs currently treat it as a\n      synonym of \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster aenea\u003c\/em\u003e, while Cory specialists often\n      continue to recognize the Venezuelan form separately as\n      \u003cem\u003eOsteogaster venezuelanus\u003c\/em\u003e or a Venezuelanus-type lineage.\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 Dark Venezuelan Cory the same as Black Venezuelan Cory?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      These names are often used interchangeably in the aquarium trade.\n      However, multiple dark or melanistic aeneus-type lines have historically\n      been sold under similar names, so a trade label alone does not guarantee\n      that every fish marketed as Black Venezuelan has identical ancestry.\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 is the difference between Dark Form and Orange Venezuelan Corys?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Orange Venezuelan Corys generally display stronger orange, copper,\n      bronze, and metallic green coloration. Dark Form Venezuelan Corys\n      develop much stronger charcoal, dark olive, chocolate, or blackish\n      pigmentation. Both share similar social behavior and general aquarium care.\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 Dark Venezuelan Cory the same as Black Schultzei Cory?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Not necessarily. The aquarium trade has historically used both\n      “Black Venezuelan” and “Black Schultzei” for a line-bred melanistic\n      Bronze Cory strain. Other dark Venezuelan-type fish have also circulated\n      under similar names. Provenance is therefore more useful than trade\n      name alone when distinguishing individual lines.\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 Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish get?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Dark Venezuelan Corys generally reach approximately\n      \u003cstrong\u003e2.5–3 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e. Mature females typically become larger\n      and 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 Dark Venezuelan Corys should be kept together?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Keep Dark Venezuelan Corys in a group of at least\n      \u003cstrong\u003e6 fish\u003c\/strong\u003e. They are naturally social catfish and generally\n      display more confident and active behavior when maintained with a\n      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 Dark Venezuelan Corys?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      A practical aquarium temperature range is approximately\n      \u003cstrong\u003e72–79°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a pH around\n      \u003cstrong\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/strong\u003e.\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 Dark Venezuelan Cory lighter after shipping?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Cory coloration can temporarily fade after shipping or during periods\n      of stress. Aquarium lighting, substrate color, temperature, and overall\n      condition may also influence appearance. Healthy fish often develop\n      stronger coloration after settling into stable aquarium conditions.\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 Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish peaceful?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Yes. Dark Venezuelan Corys are peaceful, social bottom dwellers and\n      can work well in freshwater community aquariums with other\n      non-aggressive species that share 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 Dark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish eat?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Dark Venezuelan Corys are omnivorous foragers. Feed a varied diet\n      containing quality sinking pellets, tablets, or wafers supplemented\n      with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as bloodworms,\n      brine shrimp, daphnia, Tubifex, and blackworms.\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 Dark Venezuelan Corys clean the aquarium?\n    \u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003e\n      Dark Venezuelan Corys naturally forage along the aquarium floor,\n      but they should not be considered aquarium maintenance animals.\n      They require intentional feeding with nutritious sinking foods along\n      with 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      Dark Form Venezuelan 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\n      \u003cstrong\u003eDark Form Venezuelan Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n      With its deep bronze-to-charcoal body, subtle metallic undertones,\n      peaceful temperament, and active social behavior,\n      \u003cstrong\u003eCorydoras venezuelanus\u003c\/strong\u003e is an eye-catching choice\n      for Cory enthusiasts, planted aquariums, and peaceful freshwater\n      community tanks.\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Tropicflow","offers":[{"title":"1 Fish","offer_id":52690114969898,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Fish","offer_id":52690115002666,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 Fish – Recommended","offer_id":52690115035434,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/6237\/5466\/files\/Dark-Form-Venezuelan-Cory-Catfish-Corydoras-Venezuelanus.jpg?v=1789892920","url":"https:\/\/tropicflow.com\/products\/dark-form-venezuelan-cory-catfish-corydoras-venezuelanus","provider":"Tropicflow","version":"1.0","type":"link"}