Gold laser corys are a beautiful and peaceful freshwater fish that make a great addition to any aquarium.
They’re relatively easy to care for and are compatible with a wide variety of tank mates.
Plus, they have a unique appearance that will make them a standout in your tank.
In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about gold laser cory care. From diet and tank size to lifespan and breeding.
Table of contents
Species overview
Gold laser corys (Corydoras aeneus) are a type of freshwater fish that’s native to South America. They’re found in a number of river basins, including the Amazon River basin.
They prefer slow-moving waters with a lot of vegetation. This is something that’s common to many species of corydoras, as they are bottom-dwelling fish.
Gold laser corys are a popular choice for freshwater aquariums because they are very peaceful and easy to care for. They are also very active and love to explore their tank.
One of the most notable things about this fish is its color. As you can probably guess from its name, the gold laser cory is a beautiful golden color. This really makes it stand out in most tanks.
Appearance
The Gold Laser Cory is a small freshwater fish that is part of the Corydoras genus. As their name implies, these fish are a beautiful golden color all over their body.
This coloration is accented by the black stripes that run vertically down their sides. There are usually between 5-7 of these stripes (with the number increasing as the fish gets older).
The fins on the Gold Laser Cory are all fairly standard for a small freshwater fish. They have a dorsal fin that sits relatively high on their body and an anal fin that is a bit lower down.
Both of these fins are shorter than their caudal fin which is forked. The pectoral fins are small and round.
Gold Laser Corys have a small mouth that is located at the bottom of their head. They have two small barbels (or “whiskers”) near their mouths that they use to help them find food.
These fish are a bit smaller than most other Corydoras species, with adults only reaching about 2.5 inches in length.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a gold laser cory is around 5 years. This can obviously change based on a number of different factors.
For starters, the level of care they receive will play a big role. If they’re in a well-maintained tank with good water quality then they’ll likely live towards the higher end of this range.
Stress is also a big factor. If these fish are constantly being harassed by other tank mates then their lifespan will be shortened.
Size
Corydoras are a smaller freshwater fish, and the Gold Laser Cory is no different. They only grow to be about 2.5 inches in length when fully matured.
Tank
Tank Size
The recommended minimum tank size for gold laser corys is 10 gallons. This is assuming you’re keeping them in a school of at least 5 or 6 fish (which you should).
We personally recommend a slightly larger tank if you can accommodate it. Every extra space will make a big difference and allow you to keep a larger school or more tank mates if you’re interested in a community tank.
Water Parameters
Gold laser corydoras are tropical fish that come from the Amazon basin. As such, they prefer warm water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
The water hardness isn’t as critical, but keep it on the softer side. These fish are bottom dwellers and prefer to have plenty of hiding places. Be sure to provide them with plenty of cover.
Finally, corys are a schooling fish. That means they do best when kept in groups. A good rule of thumb is to have at least six of them in a tank.
- Water temperature: 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH levels: 6.0 to 7.8
- Water hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
- Alkalinity Levels: 4-8 dKH
What To Put In Their Tank
For the most part, these fish are going to need the same things as any other Corydoras species. A soft, sandy substrate is ideal since it’s easier on their barbels and they like to spend a lot of time buried in it.
Corydoras are also a species that love plants. They use them for cover and love to graze on the algae that grows on them. Just be sure to use plants that can handle a little bit of abuse since these fish will root around a lot.
In terms of decor, rocks and driftwood are both great options. These fish like to have hiding spots and love to explore. Avoid anything too sharp though since their barbels are fairly fragile.
One other important thing to consider is that Gold Laser Corys are a schooling fish. This means they need to be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. If you don’t have enough fish in their tank they will become stressed and might start to fight with each other.
Common Diseases
Gold laser corys are a tough and hardy species of fish. They’re not immune to disease, but they’re definitely more resistant than most other freshwater fish.
The most common disease that you’ll see in these fish is ich. This is a parasitic infection that’s quite common in freshwater tanks.
Ich will present itself as white spots on the body, fins, and gills of your fish. It can be quite serious if left untreated, but it’s usually not fatal.
The best way to treat ich is to raise the temperature of the water in your tank. This will speed up the life cycle of the parasites and eventually kill them off.
You’ll also want to do a partial water change and vacuum the gravel to remove any parasites that might have fallen to the bottom of the tank.
If you notice any other changes in your fish (loss of appetite, lethargy, etc.) then it’s always best to consult a vet. There are a lot of potential diseases out there and it’s best to be safe rather than sorry.
Behavior & Temperament
The Gold Laser Cory is a shy fish that spends most of its time hiding among plants, caves, and other structures in the aquarium. It is a nocturnal fish that becomes more active at night when it comes out to feed.
During the day, you may see the Gold Laser Cory swimming in the open occasionally, but it will quickly dart back to its hiding place if it feels threatened.
The Gold Laser Cory is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other fish, provided that it is not harassed by them. It is an active swimmer and does well in a community tank with other peaceful fish.
Tank Mates
Corydoras are some of the best community fish out there. They’re peaceful, easy to care for, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
The gold laser cory is no different. These bottom-dwelling fish make great tank mates for a wide variety of species.
In fact, there are very few fish that wouldn’t get along with gold laser corys. Some good tank mates include:
- Tetras
- Guppies
- Danios
- Mollies
- Platies
- Swords
- Rainbows
- Barbs
Breeding
Corydoras are one of the easiest fish to breed in the home aquarium. The gold laser cory is no exception. They are an egg-laying species that does not exhibit parental care. This means that the parents will not eat the eggs or fry (baby fish).
To set up a breeding tank for your gold laser cory, you will need an aquarium that is at least 10 gallons in size. The tank should have a soft, sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places. Driftwood, rocks, and plants all make good hiding places. You can also use a breeding trap.
The water should be well-filtered and have a pH of 7.0. The temperature should be between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
When ready to breed, add two females for every male. The fish will do the rest! The female will lay her eggs on a flat surface, and the male will fertilize them.
The eggs will hatch in 3-5 days. Once they hatch, you can remove the adults from the breeding tank. The fry will feed on microscopic organisms in the water. You can also supplement their diet with baby brine shrimp or other small live foods.
Conclusion
The Gold Laser Cory is a beautiful and unique fish that will add some personality and flair to your tank. They’re not the easiest fish to care for, but with a little bit of knowledge and effort, they can be a great addition to your tank.
These fish are best kept in a group of at least 6, so they feel comfortable and secure in their environment. They’re also best kept with other peaceful fish that won’t bother them.
If you’re looking for a fish that’s a little bit different and you’re willing to put in the effort to care for them, the Gold Laser Cory is a great option for you!
