Care
The Green Gold Cory is an ideal species for peaceful, softwater community aquaria where a slightly cooler-than-average water temperature is maintained. The substrate should consist of soft sand in order to protect the delicate sensory barbels, with plenty of shady hiding spots provided amongst tangles of driftwood. Peat filtration and leaf litter will both help to acidify the water whilst giving it a natural tea-coloured appearance with the tannins that are released. Whilst plants are not a big feature of this species' natural habitat, they may make the aquarium more aesthetically pleasing. Green Gold Corys are highly sociable and must be kept in groups of 5 or more. The aquarium should be well mature before this species is added and frequent partial water changes are a must, as they can be rather sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. Large shoals of small midwater "dither fish' will encourage these somewhat shy fish out into view, but be sure that any tankmates are also happy at slightly lower temperatures before purchasing. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. They may do this numerous times per day.
Osteogaster was recently split from Corydoras and contains the Bronze cory group.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets/granules/tablets, flake, and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
A large, slightly cooler water change, coupled with a slight increase in water flow and oxygenation, may trigger mature pairs into spawning. The fish will adopt the classic T position where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the female's pelvic fins. The adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, decor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs, which may number up to 150, generally take 4-5 days to hatch after which time the tiny fry should be offered finely powdered first foods. A few days later they will be able to take newly hatched brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and microworm. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited.
