All fish / Callichthyidae

Peppered Corydoras

Corydoras paleatus

Also known as peppered cory, peppered catfish, blue leopard corydoras, mottled corydoras, albino peppered cory, peppered cory cat, paleatus, long fin peppered cory, แพนด้าลายเสือ, ikan cory, コリドラス・パレアタス, koridoras paleatus

This is a small armoured catfish with an olive grey body covered in dark blotches and a greenish sheen on the flanks. It's been in the hobby since the 1800s. Keepers like it because it's hardy, peaceful and happy in cooler water, and it spends the day busily sifting the substrate.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.8

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Brazil, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina (lower Paraná and Uruguay basins, coastal rivers)

Breeding

It breeds readily in captivity. Spawning often follows a large, cooler water change. The female carries eggs between her pelvic fins and sticks them to glass or plants, and the eggs hatch in about four to six days.

Good to know

This is a subtropical species, so avoid keeping it constantly above about 25°C. Use sand or smooth gravel so its barbels don't get damaged. Albino and long-finned forms are captive-bred strains.