Gold Laser Osteogaster

Remarks: Gold laser Osteogasters are one of the most spectacularly colored Corydoradinae. Native to Peru, they have olive-green bodies with a fluorescent gold sheen over their scales. From the eye, along their back, and ending at the caudal peduncle, is a bright, shining orange streak. These little catfish are visible from across the room, constantly foraging for food and reflecting light off of their "laser" stripes. It was previously classified as Corydoras sp. CW010, but was reclassified as Osteogaster sp. CW010 upon publication of a phylogenomic analysis in 2024 that reclassified many species in the Corydoradinae subfamily.   Corydoradinae are small, peaceful catfish that are active shoalers and will stay near conspecifics, making for a lovely sight. They feed by searching through sand with their barbels, making such a substrate necessary for their long-term health. Gravel substrates tend to be abrasive and damage the barbels, leading to infections and an inability to find food.   While these friendly catfish are willing to swim with other species of Corydoradinae different from their own, this does not provide the same social need as being kept with members of their own species. Because of this, it is highly recommended to keep at least six of each species of Corydoradinae present in the aquarium and only mix species if one has the space to keep at least six of each.   Corydoradinae are often looked at as "scavengers," but they should be treated in a similar fashion as the rest of your fish. They are omnivores and require a mixed diet. Sinking prepared foods are readily accepted, as are frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, blackworms, and bloodworms.