Add charm and activity to your aquarium with the Peppered Corydoras, a hardy and peaceful bottom-dweller loved by aquarists of all experience levels. Named for their attractive mottled, "pepper-like" pattern, these small catfish are both functional and fun to watch as they scavenge along the substrate in small, playful groups.
🔍 Product Details
Common Name: Peppered Cory
Scientific Name: Corydoras paleatus
Origin: South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil)
Adult Size: 5–7 cm (2–2.75 inches)
Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care
Coloration: Silver-grey with dark mottled “peppered” spots
🌡️ Water & Tank Requirements
Temperature: 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F)
pH Level: 6.0 – 7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH)
Minimum Tank Size: 15–20 gallons
Tank Setup: Sandy or smooth gravel substrate with live plants, driftwood, and hiding spaces
Swimming Zone: Bottom
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
Peppered Corydoras are omnivorous scavengers and will help clean up uneaten food from the tank floor, but they still require a balanced diet:
Sinking pellets or tablets (primary food)
Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp
Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach (occasionally)
Feed once or twice a day in small portions.
🤝 Behavior & Compatibility
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Behavior: Active during the day, especially in groups
Ideal Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5 or more
Compatibility: Excellent for peaceful community aquariums
Great tank mates include:
Tetras, rasboras, danios
Dwarf gouramis
Livebearers
Other peaceful bottom dwellers
Avoid aggressive or overly large fish.
📝 Care Tips
Use fine sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels
Perform regular water changes to maintain high water quality
Provide shaded areas or caves to help them feel secure
Keep in groups for natural behavior and reduced stress
The Peppered Corydoras is a fantastic choice for community tanks, especially planted aquariums. Their playful group behavior, peaceful nature, and ability to clean up leftover food make them both entertaining and useful residents.






*Due to natural variations, the product may differ in appearance from the picture provided.*