Gold Laser Corydoras - Corydoras sp CW010 : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
At the time of writing, the extravagant Gold Laser Corydoras, or Corydoras sp. CW010. is still awaiting its official scientific name, but while it has been patiently waiting, it has already become a popular and sought-after favourite in the fishkeeping hobby.
Like most Corydoras, this relative newbie has a charming, laid-back personality while sporting a vibrant, you could say "colourful" appearance, especially in comparison to almost all other Corydoras species. These combined personality and colouration traits have resulted in it quickly becoming the star of many community aquariums, captivating enthusiasts and adding a vibrant splash to aquatic collections around the world.
From our experience while keeping this Cory, we have found the Gold Laser Corydoras to be an extremely hardy and undemanding fish; in truth, we would go as far as to say it is easily on par with the common Bronze Corydoras, making this an excellent choice for the beginner and more experienced fishkeeper who would like a bottom-dwelling catfish with a little extra pizazz.
If you decide to include these little chaps or chap-etts in your aquarium, it would be best to purchase them in groups of at least 6 to 10 individuals.
Grouping them together not only highlights their sociable and inquisitive behaviour but also ensures their overall well-being since they love nothing more than hanging out together and gossiping about their other tank mates.
While these charming Corydoras command a higher-than-average price tag, their potential for up to a decade of companionship and their forgiving resilience more than compensate for the initial investment.
Although they won't increase in monetary value, unlike real gold, their worth in terms of beauty and durability within your aquarium will remain priceless.
These Corydoras become a lasting treasure, enriching your underwater world with their charm and resilience.
The Gold laser Cory makes ideal neighbours for other peaceful fish like Rasboras, Danios, Endlers and Tetras.
Choosing a soft sand substrate is a smart move for their living space. The delicate barbels on these Corydoras—yes, those charming whisker-like features—thrive with a bit of tender loving care.
They're quite the aficionados of shaded spots provided by aquatic plants, perfect for sneaking in some relaxation or a game of hide-and-seek.
Intriguingly, they're equipped with a special intestinal adaptation that allows them to gulp air from the surface, so ensuring there's ample space at the top of the tank for these little breathers is a considerate gesture.
Aesthetically, these Corydoras don a sophisticated palette, showcasing shades from yellowish-brown to greenish-yellow, accented with sunny yellow fins. Their fashion statement includes a striking yellow-to-gold stripe stretching from nose to tail, accented with a golden cheek patch and a chic green midbody stripe—a truly eye-catching combo. For their well-being, prioritizing clean water, a soft current, efficient filtration, and routine water changes are essential.
They're pretty easygoing about their environment, yet they flourish in spaces that are attentively maintained. A dash of care goes a long way in ensuring these Gold Laser Corydoras add a dash of sparkle and personality to your tank. Their presence celebrates the delight and simplicity found in the art of fishkeeping, reminding us of the profound joy this hobby brings.
When setting up their home, it's wise to go for a soft sand substrate. Their barbels (those cool whisker-like things) are delicate and need gentle care. They're also fans of a bit of shade from aquatic plants, giving them spots to hide and relax. And here's an interesting bit: they can breathe air directly thanks to a neat adaptation in their intestines, so leaving some room at the top of the tank for them to surface is a thoughtful touch.
Appearance-wise, these Corys have a stylish look with a body color that ranges from yellowish-brown to greenish-yellow, complemented by yellow fins. The highlight is their distinctive yellow-to-gold stripe that runs from their head to tail, paired with a gold blotch on their cheek and a green band along their midbody.
To keep them thriving, clean water with a gentle current, effective filtration, and regular water changes are key. They're not too fussy, but they do appreciate a well-kept environment. With just a bit of care, these Gold Laser Corydoras will brighten up your tank and bring a lot of character to your aquatic family. They're a testament to the joy and simplicity of fishkeeping, reminding us why we love this hobby in the first place.
Gold Laser Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the sexual dimorphism of mature male and female Gold Laser Corydoras is quite an easy task. Generally, the ladies are the larger ones, boasting fuller figures, particularly when they're holding eggs; they also have rounder anal fins to boot. On the flip side, the gents are the leaner bunch, with anal fins that taper to a more pointed tip compared to their female counterparts. These physical distinctions make it a breeze for hobbyists to identify the sex of these enchanting little cuties.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Corydoras sp CW010 |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1858 |
| Other Names | Orange Laser Cory, Orange Stripe Cory, Peru Orange Stripe Cory, CW010 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Peru |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 7 - 8 |
| TDS | 36 - 268 |
| ℉ | 71 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Gold Laser Corydoras originate from the lush upper Amazonian Rainforests of eastern Peru. This species finds solace in the calm and shallow waters of streams, rivers, creeks and the flooded forests around the Upper Amazon, Ucayali, and Marañón Rivers, preferring areas with soft substrates??. Their natural blackwater habitats in South America are low in pH and acidic, reflecting a unique ecosystem rich in life, from vivid plants to diverse animal species??.
Crafting a home for them in your aquarium, emulating the soft water conditions and acidic pH of their natural environment and providing plenty of hiding spots among driftwood and leaf litter will help them thrive and display their natural behaviours. This careful attention to their needs ensures their well-being and adds an enchanting touch of the wild to your aquatic collection.
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Breeding
Breeding the Gold Laser Corydoras in a home aquarium is a rewarding experience, and for optimal results, enthusiasts should aim for a ratio of one male to two females. A significant, slightly cooler water change can be performed to trigger mature pairs into spawning.
During spawning, the couple will adopt the classic 'T position, ' where the male fertilizes the female's eggs between her pelvic fins. Subsequently, they will deposit batches of the adhesive eggs onto decor, plants, or the aquarium's sides, repeating the process until the female has run out of eggs.
Females can lay anywhere from 10 to 40 eggs per spawn, typically hatching within four days. Once hatched, the fry becomes free-swimming four days later and can consume newly hatched brine shrimp, Moina, and other similar types of food. This process of breeding and raising the Gold Laser Corydoras requires a dedicated and scientific approach, making it a popular subject of interest for aquatic enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Diet & Feeding
Gold Laser Corydoras easily slide into aquarium life, showing off their not-so-fussy appetites. These little gourmets are all about variety, happily munching on premium dry offerings like sinking catfish pellets, wafers, and granules. But why stop there? They're keen on a mixed menu that spans the spectrum from frozen delights to live treats. Imagine them feasting on a buffet of white mosquito larvae, bloodworms, and even vitamin-boosted brine shrimp, not to mention Daphnia and tubifex worms for dessert.
This culinary flexibility isn't just a trait that makes them beloved by fishkeepers; it also draws the eye of researchers curious about their dietary habits and how these reflect their resilience and adaptability. For enthusiasts dedicated to providing a nourishing and vibrant habitat, understanding and catering to the diverse dietary preferences of the Gold Laser Corydoras can significantly contribute to their health and vitality, adding yet another layer of engagement to the rewarding experience of fishkeeping.
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