Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Peppered Corydoras or Cory for short, also known as the Paleatus Corydoras, is native to rivers and pools in South America predominately in Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. The genus Corydoras translates to “helmet skin” which is true of these tough, little armored catfish. Corydoras also have spines at the edge of their pectoral fins to deter predators from eating them. Peppered corys are speckled with dark black and green spots in which their name is derived, with a white belly. A popular scavenging catfish for community and planted aquariums, Peppered corys are extremely peaceful and reach an adult size of approximately 2.5″. Corydoras are very social, preferring to be kept in groups of 4 or more individuals. There are little differences between male and female, however females can appear a little more robust during breeding. Many Peppered corys available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced through aquaculture.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Peppered corys are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Peppered corys, but they are versatile and can be added to even much larger aquariums. Peppered corys are one of our listed “hardy fish” because they are able to endure the initial break-in cycle of a newly set-up aquarium. The aquarium should be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood for coverage and places to hide, in addition to generous vegetation (artificial or live, but live is preferred). Corydoras require a sandy to fine substrate; too coarse of a substrate could cause injury to their barbels. Corydoras are opportunistic scavengers, making them very beneficial to have to forage for extra food of all kinds that has fallen to the substrate. Given their size and temperament, Peppered corys rarely conflict with other fish but can be easily bullied by more semi-aggressive bottom-dwelling species or more aggressive catfish species. Choose tank mates accordingly, but some common compatible options include tetras, rasboras, angelfish, dwarf cichlids, and livebearers. Different species of Corydoras catfish can be mixed with success. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 3-12, pH 6.0-7.0.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 1”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
