Corydoras Paleatus (Peppered Cory)

Easy to keep Peaceful fish.

• Diet: Omnivore, but primarily eat protean foods.
• pH Range: 5.8 – 7
• Temperature: 22°C – 26°C
• Current Size: Approximately 3.5cm (Grows to about 4cm)

This item is for one Corydora

The Peppered Catfish (Corydoras paleatus), a small tropical freshwater fish from the "armored catfish" family, is one of the most popular Cory catfish in home aquariums. They are hardy, easy to care for, and slightly shy. In captivity, they can live up to 10 years. Native to South America, from Colombia and Trinidad to the Rio de la Plata basin, these fish thrive in slow-moving rivers, streams, and shallow, muddy waters. They are adaptable and can even survive in nearly stagnant environments thanks to their ability to breathe air from the water's surface. In aquariums, they frequently dart to the surface for a gulp of air before returning to the bottom.

Small, active, and peaceful, the Peppered Catfish is a color variation of the species known as the Green Cory. Other variations include green, bronze, albino, and black. Like all Corydoras, they have overlapping armored scales called scutes and a leading spine in their fins that can lock in place, making it harder for predators to swallow them. This spine can also make netting tricky, so care is needed when handling them. In aquariums, they are loved for their expressive behavior.

Peppered Catfish are schooling fish, best kept in groups of at least five. Suitable tankmates include other peaceful community fish like Otocinclus, tetras, swordtails, and other Corys. Avoid housing them with larger, aggressive fish like Oscars or Jack Dempseys, which may harm or eat them.

They tolerate a variety of water conditions but prefer a pH of 5.8 to 7 and soft to slightly hard water. They are sensitive to salt, so avoid salting their tank. Peppered Corys like to dig in the substrate, so it's best to use smooth-edged gravel or sand to prevent damage to their sensitive barbels. Provide plenty of hiding spots like wood or stone and floating plants to subdue the lighting. They prefer shallow water, mimicking their natural habitat near the banks of Amazon tributaries.

In the wild, Peppered Corys feed on small crustaceans, worms, and insects. As omnivores, they eat a variety of foods in captivity, including flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. They thrive on live foods like bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Being bottom feeders, they might struggle to get food if other fish eat it first, so offering sinking pellets is ideal.

Males are typically smaller and more slender than females, especially when viewed from above.

Don't forget to check out our plants for combined postage and keeping the fish happy in transit!

If you have any questions or problems feel free to contact us!