Pepper Corydoras

Peppered Corydoras (Corydoras paleatus) Care Guide

The Peppered Corydoras is a peaceful, hardy bottom-dweller known for its speckled, camouflage-like pattern and lively group behavior. These fish are ideal for community aquariums and are great for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Quick Overview

• Common Name: Peppered Corydoras

• Scientific Name: Corydoras paleatus

• Origin: South America (Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil)

• Size: Up to 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years (up to 10 with excellent care)

• Temperament: Peaceful, social, bottom-dweller

Tank Setup

Water Parameters

Weekly water changes (25–30%) are important to keep them healthy.

️ Diet

Peppered Corys are omnivorous scavengers but still need a well-balanced diet beyond leftovers.

• Staple Foods: Sinking pellets, bottom-feeder wafers

• Supplemental Foods: Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

• Occasional: Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach

• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; feed only what they consume in a few minutes

Behavior & Tank Mates

• Active, peaceful, and social — especially when kept in a group

• Frequently seen sifting the bottom or darting to the surface for air (normal behavior due to their ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen)

Good tank mates include:

• Small tetras, rasboras

• Guppies, mollies

• Other peaceful bottom dwellers (like kuhli loaches)

• Dwarf gouramis, small peaceful cichlids

• Shrimp and snails (if water is clean)

Avoid:

• Aggressive or fin-nipping species (e.g., tiger barbs, large cichlids)

Breeding

Breeding Peppered Corydoras in home aquariums is possible with the right conditions:

• Trigger: Cooler water changes after conditioning with high-protein foods

• Spawning: Eggs are laid on tank surfaces (glass, leaves, etc.)

• Aftercare: Remove adults or eggs to prevent them from being eaten

• Hatching: Eggs hatch in 3–5 days; fry can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food

✅ Summary