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Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC

(72) Peppered Corydoras

(72) Peppered Corydoras

$5.00 USD
$5.00 USD
Oferta Agotado
Los gastos de envío se calculan en la pantalla de pago.
The Peppered Corydoras (Corydoras paleatus) is a popular, hardy, and peaceful catfish known for its mottled black and grey speckles on a light tan to olive body, giving it a "peppered" appearance. These active bottom-dwellers are an excellent choice for a community aquarium and are well-suited for beginners. 

Tank Requirements
  • Tank Size: A minimum of 15 gallons is recommended for a school of six or more fish. They are social creatures and need horizontal space on the tank bottom to forage and school.
  • Decor: The tank should have plenty of live plants and hiding places using driftwood or rocks to provide cover and security. Floating plants are a good option as they prefer subdued lighting.
  • Substrate: Use a fine, smooth sand or fine, rounded gravel substrate. Sharp-edged gravel can damage their delicate, sensory barbels, which they use for finding food.
  • Filtration: A good filtration system is essential to maintain clean water, as they are sensitive to high nitrates. A lid is recommended as they may dart to the surface for a gulp of air. 

Water Parameters
Peppered Corydoras are adaptable to a range of water conditions, but stable parameters are key to their health. 

Parameter  Range
Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal)
Hardness (GH) 2–12 dGH (soft to moderately hard)
  • Maintenance: Regular partial water changes (e.g., 25% weekly) are crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing the buildup of nitrates, which can damage their barbels. 

Diet and Feeding
These omnivores are bottom feeders and must be offered a dedicated, varied diet to ensure proper nutrition. They should not be expected to survive only on leftovers. 
  • Staple: High-quality sinking pellets, wafers, and flake food that reaches the bottom.
  • Supplement: Offer small, protein-rich live or frozen foods regularly, such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
  • Feeding frequency: Feed once or twice daily. Feeding some food after the lights are off helps ensure the corys get their share without competition from faster-swimming fish. 

Behavior and Tank Mates
  • Temperament: Extremely peaceful and highly social. They should always be kept in a school of at least six of their own species to thrive and display natural schooling behaviors.
  • Tank Mates: Good companions include other non-aggressive, similarly sized community fish such as tetras, rasboras, danios, livebearers, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid large or aggressive bottom-dwellers that might bully them or eat them.
  • Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 5 to 10 years or longer.
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