Bondi Cory

Corydoras bondi is a small to medium-sized cory from Guyana and parts of Venezuela, featuring scattered dark spots and dashes over a warm buff to tan body with a faint, slightly irregular lateral stripe. It has a cheerful, active temperament and is one of the more visible and engaging of the Guiana Shield cory species when kept in a suitable group.

In the wild it inhabits lowland forest streams and blackwater or clearwater tributaries of the Guiana coast. It is a species of soft, slightly acidic water, though it adapts reasonably well to slightly harder aquarium conditions given a gradual transition. Stable water quality and a fine sand substrate are the most important care requirements.

C. bondi is periodically available through specialist Guiana Shield importers. It is not particularly demanding once established and makes an excellent addition to a Guiana-themed community aquarium. Keep in groups of six or more, feed a varied diet of sinking and frozen foods, and perform regular partial water changes.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 22–26°C; soft water preferred; adaptable to aquarium conditions. Tank: 60 L with fine sand, leaf litter, and driftwood to replicate Guiana coastal forest streams. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen Daphnia, bloodworm, and Tubifex; feeds readily. Breeding: Typical cory spawning; cool water change trigger; moderately productive. Compatibility: Peaceful with all standard community species; suits Guiana Shield biotope tanks.