PEPPERED CORY | CORYDORAS PALEATUS

The Peppered Cory (Corydoras paleatus) is a classic and beloved freshwater catfish known for its peaceful temperament, charming behavior, and beautiful speckled pattern. Native to the cool, slow-moving streams and rivers of South America—particularly Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay—this hardy species features a silvery-gray to olive body covered with dark, pepper-like spots and marbling, giving it its common name. Under good lighting, the body often shimmers with subtle hints of green and blue iridescence.

Adult Peppered Corys grow to about 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) and, like all Corydoras, are highly social fish that thrive in groups of six or more. They spend most of their time foraging along the tank bottom in a playful, coordinated manner, making them both useful scavengers and delightful to watch.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 68–78°F (20–26°C) — they tolerate cooler water better than most tropical fish
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 4–15 dGH

Tank setup:
Peppered Corys do best in aquariums of 20 gallons or larger with soft, sandy substrate that allows them to dig and sift safely for food. Avoid sharp gravel that can damage their sensitive barbels. Provide driftwood, smooth stones, caves, and live plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Amazon Swords to create a natural environment with shaded resting areas. They appreciate moderate water flow and clean, well-oxygenated water.

Diet:
These corys are omnivorous bottom feeders. Offer high-quality sinking pellets or wafers as their main diet, and supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also scavenge leftover flakes or soft plant matter but should not be relied upon as the tank’s sole “cleanup crew.”

Temperament and tankmates:
Peppered Corys are extremely peaceful and make excellent tankmates for other gentle species. Ideal companions include tetras, rasboras, danios, livebearers, dwarf gouramis, and other corydoras. Avoid large or aggressive fish that could intimidate or outcompete them for food.

Breeding:
They are relatively easy to breed in home aquariums. Condition adults with live or frozen foods, then trigger spawning with a slight temperature drop and large water changes. Females deposit adhesive eggs on glass, plants, or decorations. Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation. Eggs hatch in 3–5 days, and fry can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food.

In summary, the Peppered Cory (Corydoras paleatus) is a hardy, social, and endearing bottom-dweller that’s perfect for peaceful community aquariums. Its spotted pattern, playful nature, and ability to thrive in cooler water make it a versatile and charming choice for aquarists of all experience levels.