CW010 Albino Orange Laser Cory (Osteogaster sp.)

The CW010 Albino Orange Laser Cory is a striking pale form of the well-known Gold / Orange Laser Cory group, prized for its creamy white body and the warm orange stripe running along the upper flank. In the hobby it is generally referred to by the code CW010, as it has not been formally described to species level. It is a peaceful, social bottom-dweller that suits a mature freshwater community aquarium with soft substrate, clean water and the company of its own kind.

Common Name:
CW010 Albino Orange Laser Cory. It is also commonly sold as Albino Gold Laser Cory, Albino Orange Laser Cory, CW010, or Albino Peru Orange Stripe Cory.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Osteogaster sp. CW010
This fish is still generally traded under its hobby code rather than a formally described species name.

Maximum Size:
Males typically reach around 5.5 cm, with females growing to roughly 6 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The non-albino CW010 form is associated with Peru / upper Amazon drainage habitats, and the albino version seen in aquaria is a captive-bred colour form of that fish.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–27°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.2
Hardness: soft water preferred, up to around 15 dH

Temperament:
Generally peaceful and very well suited to a calm freshwater community. Like other cory-type catfish, it is a social species and should not be kept alone long term.

Diet:
Omnivorous bottom-feeder. Offer a varied diet of quality sinking foods such as tablets, granules and wafers, alongside frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, grindal worm and other small protein-rich foods.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical long-term recommendation is at least 60–90 litres for a proper group, with a larger footprint always preferred over a tall, narrow tank.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is an active bottom-dweller that spends much of the day foraging through the substrate and exploring shaded areas. Like other cory-type catfish, it may also rise to the surface occasionally to gulp air.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Best kept in a group of at least 5–6 with other peaceful, similarly sized community fish. Good companions include small tetras, rasboras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, livebearers and other calm bottom-dwellers. Watch out for large predatory fish, rough cichlids and overly boisterous species, as this fish is gentle and relies on group confidence rather than aggression. It is also important to avoid very competitive feeders that may stop it getting enough food at the bottom.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A fine sand substrate is strongly recommended, although smooth rounded gravel can also work if kept very clean. Sharp gravel should be avoided, as it can damage the barbels while the fish searches for food. Add driftwood, plants and shaded resting areas, but leave some open substrate for natural foraging. As with most cory-type catfish, stable water quality and regular maintenance are important for long-term success.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.