Peppered Corydoras (No Online Purchases)

Peppered Corydoras (No Online Purchases)

Scientific Name: Corydoras paleatus

Description: A peaceful, active bottom-dwelling catfish featuring a silver-grey body with distinctive dark, peppered markings and a subtle metallic sheen. Peppered Corydoras are hardy, social fish that thrive in groups and make excellent additions to peaceful freshwater community aquariums.

Origin: South America, primarily Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Brazil.

pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5

Temperature: Around 18–25°C

Adult Size: 6–7 cm

Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care.

Food: Omnivorous. Feed high-quality sinking pellets, catfish wafers, frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other suitable bottom-feeder foods. Provide a varied diet and do not rely solely on leftover food from other fish.

Compatibility: Very peaceful community fish. Best kept in groups of at least 6 individuals, preferably more, to encourage natural schooling and social behaviour. Suitable tank mates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, White Cloud Mountain Minnows and other non-aggressive species that prefer similar water temperatures. Avoid large or aggressive fish and species requiring consistently high tropical temperatures.

Habitat: A well-filtered freshwater aquarium with soft sand or smooth, fine gravel to protect their sensitive barbels. Provide live plants, driftwood, shaded hiding areas and open spaces for foraging. Maintain good water quality, gentle to moderate water flow and adequate oxygenation. A minimum aquarium size of approximately 75–80 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred.