Bronze Catfish

The Bronze Catfish is a species of small, freshwater fish in the family Callichthyidae, native to South America. It is commonly found in rivers and streams throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Bronze Catfish inhabit the slow-moving, often murky waters of these regions, where they seek shelter in the soft, sandy substrate, feeding on detritus and small invertebrates.
The species is easily recognized by its bronze-colored body, which can range from light olive to dark brown, with a slightly metallic sheen. The body is covered in small, bony plates, characteristic of the Corydoras genus, and the fish also has three pairs of barbels on its face, which are used for foraging in the substrate.

Bronze Catfish are bottom dwellers and are primarily nocturnal, coming out at night to scavenge food. Their diet in the wild consists mainly of small invertebrates, algae, and organic debris. In captivity, they are omnivorous and readily accept a variety of foods, including sinking pellets, frozen or live foods, and plant matter. They play an important role in aquarium ecosystems by helping to keep the tank clean, scavenging leftover food and detritus from the bottom.

This species is well-suited for life in aquariums due to its peaceful nature and adaptability. Bronze Catfish are often kept in schools of six or more individuals, where they exhibit their social behaviors and often swim together in a synchronized manner. They are hardy fish, able to tolerate a range of water conditions, including slightly acidic to neutral pH and temperatures between 72°F and 79°F (22°C to 26°C). Their peaceful temperament makes them an excellent addition to community tanks, where they interact well with other peaceful species.

Bronze Catfish are also known for their unique behavior of "flipping" on their sides to scrape algae from hard surfaces. As with other Corydoras species, they are equipped with specialized armor, consisting of bony plates, which protect them from predators. Their gentle nature, combined with their beneficial tank-cleaning habits, makes them one of the most popular and beloved species among aquarium enthusiasts.

Fun Facts:
Bronze Catfish are known for their distinctive "armored" bodies, which provide protection from predators.

They are social fish that thrive in groups, often displaying synchronized swimming behavior when kept in schools.

These catfish help maintain the cleanliness of aquariums by scavenging leftover food and debris from the substrate.