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Osteogaster aeneus var. is a captive-bred variety of the popular bronze cory, recognized by its pale albino body and elongated fins. Peaceful, social and constantly active near the substrate, it is well suited to calm community aquariums. This form remains fairly common in the aquarium trade while offering a more striking appearance than the standard form. Like other corydoras, it uses its barbels to explore the bottom and benefits from living in a group. Successful care depends mainly on a soft, non-abrasive substrate, clean water and a varied diet. This variety is exclusive to Ton.Fish in Canada.

General species description

Osteogaster aeneus var. is the albino long-finned variety of Corydoras aeneus, now placed in the genus Osteogaster. It is a small armored catfish from the family Callichthyidae, valued for its peaceful behavior and adaptability. In an aquarium, it spends most of its time on the bottom but regularly rises to the surface to take air through its intestinal respiration. This behavior is normal and does not necessarily indicate a lack of oxygen. It should be kept in a group of at least six individuals, since social interaction is important to its well-being. The albino longfin variety is produced in captivity and differs mainly in appearance rather than in ecology from the natural form. It is suitable for non-aggressive community aquariums and remains a very accessible choice for aquarists.

Geographical origin and biotope

Countries of reference: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru and other northern South American areas associated with the range of Corydoras aeneus. In nature, the species inhabits quiet sections of small streams, forest creeks and marginal areas of rivers. The bottom is usually made up of fine sand, mud or small pieces of plant debris, which the fish search through for food. Water may be clear or slightly stained by organic matter, depending on drainage and season. Banks are often bordered by roots, leaf litter and low or submerged vegetation. In aquariums, these conditions can be recreated with gentle filtration, shaded areas and a substrate that protects the barbels. The albino longfin form is a captive-bred variety, not a separate geographic population.

Precise location and local name

Osteogaster aeneus var. is sold under names referring to its form and coloration, including Albino Longfin Bronze Cory, Albino Longfin Cory and Albino Longfin Corydoras aeneus. Within its natural range, Corydoras aeneus has different vernacular names depending on the country and local community; the aquarium term “bronze cory” is the most widely understood. The word “albino” describes the overall loss of pigmentation and reddish eyes, while “longfin” indicates the selectively developed elongated fins. This trade name should not be interpreted as the name of a separate species. In stores, it may also simply be sold as an albino corydoras. For reliable identification, consider the body shape, inferior mouth and bony plates rather than coloration alone.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is stocky, slightly flattened underneath and protected by two rows of bony plates. In this variety, coloration ranges from creamy white to pale pink, with red or pink eyes typical of albinism. The fins are more developed than those of the short-finned form, especially the dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and caudal fins. Barbels around the mouth help detect food particles on the bottom. The pectoral spines can lock into a net, so handling must be done carefully. Adult size is generally around 6 to 7.5 cm, depending on sex and rearing conditions. The long fins create an elegant silhouette but require clean water to reduce damage and infection risks. This combination of albino coloration and flowing fins is its main visual feature.

General diet

Osteogaster aeneus var. is omnivorous and actively searches for small prey, larvae, worms, tiny crustaceans and organic debris in the substrate. In aquariums, it readily accepts sinking wafers, bottom-feeder pellets and frozen foods such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. A varied diet supports growth, body condition and breeding. Do not rely on leftovers from other fish: every corydoras should receive enough food that actually reaches the bottom. Small portions can be offered, ideally as the lights dim. Live or frozen foods are especially useful for conditioning breeding adults. The priority is a high-quality, varied sinking diet, without excess that could pollute the water. It will sift through sand, but this does not replace regular substrate maintenance.

Essential data

• River of origin: River basins and streams within the natural range of Corydoras aeneus
• Local name used: Bronze cory; albino long-finned corydoras
• Origin of the scientific name: Osteogaster aeneus is the taxonomic name used for this form of Corydoras aeneus
• Full-name etymology: Osteogaster means “bony belly”; aeneus means “bronze-colored”; var. means variety; Albino Longfin means albino with long fins
• Common/vernacular names: Albino Longfin Bronze Cory, albino long-finned corydoras
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Subfamily: Corydoradinae
• Name pronunciation: os-tee-oh-GAS-ter EE-nee-us
• Discovery: Theodore Nicholas Gill, 1858, for the original description of the species as Callichthys aeneus
• Maximum adult size: About 7.5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 28 °C; pH 6.0 to 8.0
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Quiet to moderate-flowing waters, sandy or muddy bottoms, leaf litter, roots and riparian vegetation
• Typical tank mates: Small peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful small livebearers and other non-aggressive bottom fish
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, social, active on the bottom and more comfortable in a group
• Water depth: Shallow areas and calm margins of streams
• Sexual dimorphism: Females are generally broader and larger; males are slimmer
• Bottom configuration and flow: Fine sand or very rounded gravel; low to moderate flow

In your aquarium

Success with Osteogaster aeneus var. depends on a mature, well-filtered aquarium with regular maintenance. A group of at least six fish, fine sand and several resting areas near the bottom encourage natural behavior. Keep water stable, prevent waste buildup and offer a varied sinking diet. The long fins should be protected from sharp decorations and territorial tank mates. Because the albino form may be more sensitive to intense lighting, plants or shelters that provide shade are useful. With these precautions and peaceful companions, this corydoras adds an active and engaging presence to the community aquarium.