Corydoras Catfish for Sale in South Africa

Explore peaceful, active Corydoras for community aquariums, with species guides, care advice and our selection available from Glass & Gill.

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Why Corydoras Suit Community Tanks

Corydoras are peaceful, social bottom-dwelling catfish that suit many community aquariums. Their active foraging brings movement to the lower levels of the tank, while suitable groups, smooth substrate and stable water conditions help them display natural behaviour.

Buying Corydoras Across South Africa

Glass & Gill ships livestock throughout South Africa using trusted courier partners. Corydoras are inspected before dispatch, carefully packed to minimise transit stress and sent on designated livestock shipping days. Someone should be available to receive and acclimate them promptly.

Live Arrival Protection for Corydoras

If a Corydoras arrives deceased, our Live Arrival Guarantee allows a claim within 2 hours of delivery. Submit clear photographs of the unopened bag and livestock together with your order details. Approved claims may qualify for replacement or store credit under our policy.

Corydoras Species Available at Glass & Gill

Hoplisoma adolfoi

Adolfo Cory

Adolfo Cory is a distinct South American species now recognised as Hoplisoma adolfoi, formerly Corydoras adolfoi. Its bold head marking and warm orange accent make it one of the most recognisable cory species in the aquarium hobby.

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Osteogaster aenea

Bronze Corydora

The Bronze Cory is the familiar aquarium form of Osteogaster aenea, formerly known as Corydoras aeneus. It is a true species rather than a colour strain, while our Albino Corydora is an albino form of this same species.

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Hoplisoma julii

Julii Cory / Juli Corydora

The Julii Cory is recognised as Hoplisoma julii, formerly Corydoras julii. It is known for its fine spotted patterning and is a separate species from the very similar Three-Lined Cory.

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Hoplisoma panda

Panda Corydoras

Panda Corydoras is the species Hoplisoma panda, formerly Corydoras panda. Its pale body and contrasting dark markings around the eyes, dorsal fin and tail give the species its familiar panda-like appearance.

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Hoplisoma paleatum

Peppered Cory / Pepper Corydora

The Peppered Cory is now recognised as Hoplisoma paleatum, formerly Corydoras paleatus. Its mottled pattern is a natural species characteristic rather than a selectively bred colour form.

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Hoplisoma trilineatum

Three-Lined Corydoras

The Three-Lined Cory is Hoplisoma trilineatum, formerly Corydoras trilineatus. Often confused with the Julii Cory in the aquarium trade, it is a distinct species with its own characteristic reticulated and lined pattern.

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Osteogaster aenea complex

Black Venezuela Corydoras

The Black Venezuela Cory is commonly traded under the name Corydoras schultzei. Modern classification places it within the Osteogaster aenea group, although the exact taxonomic status of “schultzei” is treated differently across reference sources.

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Still deciding? Find the Corydoras that suits your aquarium

Use these quick differences as a final shortcut after comparing the species above.

Cooler-water option Peppered Cory 18–26°C range with a naturally mottled pattern. Bold contrast Panda Corydoras Distinct dark eye, dorsal and tail markings on a pale body. Standout colour Adolfo Cory Recognisable black markings with a warm orange head accent; 75L+ recommended. Dark-bodied look Black Venezuela Cory A darker Corydoras choice for aquariums where you want strong visual contrast. Classic natural look Bronze Corydora The familiar bronze form of Osteogaster aenea. Light-coloured option Albino Corydora The albino form of the same species as the Bronze Cory. Fine spotted pattern Julii Cory A finely spotted species often confused with the Three-Lined Cory. Reticulated pattern Three-Lined Corydoras Distinct lined and reticulated markings for a more intricate look.

Corydoras Care Essentials

Corydoras are hardy and rewarding community fish when their basic needs are met. The key is to support their natural social and bottom-foraging behaviour rather than treating them as simple clean-up fish.

Group size

Corydoras are social fish. Six or more is a useful general target for many commonly kept species when aquarium size and species requirements allow.

Substrate

Smooth sand or a fine, rounded substrate supports natural bottom-foraging behaviour and helps protect sensitive barbels.

Feeding

Offer a varied diet with quality sinking foods. Corydoras should be fed intentionally rather than relying on leftovers from other fish.

Water quality

Keep water clean, stable and well oxygenated with suitable filtration. Consistency matters more than chasing one perfect number.

Tank footprint

Bottom space matters. Give the group enough room to forage, rest and move naturally across the substrate.

Tankmates

Peaceful community fish are usually the best companions. Avoid aggressive or highly competitive species that may cause stress or interfere with feeding.