As members of the armored Catfish family, Bronze Corydoras have tough skin and spines in the leading rays of their pectoral fins. These fish were one of the first species of Corydoras to be introduced into the aquarium trade and they remain a popular species today. Bronze Corydoras are widely distributed, having been found throughout South America in Columbia, Guyana, Venezuela, Peru and Bolivia as well as other countries. These fish tend to inhabit slow, shallow waters with muddy substrate. These fish are unique in that they are able to absorb air through the walls of their intestines as well as through their gills. Bronze Corydoras can be seen gulping air at the water surface on occasion, particularly in water with a low oxygen content. This species typically exhibits pinkish or yellowish coloration on the body with a white belly and a blue/gray hue covering the head and back. Sometimes called the Green Corydoras, these fish may also exhibit a greenish hue on the upper parts of the body.