Peppered Cory 4.5cm

Peppered Corydoras

Corydoras or commonly called cories are a staple fish for any tropical community aquarium, they are hardy, super active, and have tonnes of benefits as well. The Corydoras family has hundreds of different species of all different shapes, colours, and sizes. One of these is the incredibly popular Peppered Corydoras which is a fantastic entry-level Cory due to its hardiness, its ability to handle lower temperatures, and because it stays smaller compared to other commonly available Corydoras.

As their name suggests peppered Corydoras have an amazing range of peppering through their body, this array of colour ranges from metallic silvers, emerald greens, and light blues. They are also far lighter compared to other Corydoras species which makes them a true eye-catcher. Peppered cories are also great because they can be kept in temperatures as low as 22 degrees making them a great species to add to cooler water aquariums. One of the greatest benefits to all corydoras is their habit to constantly stir the substrate layer, they act like mini bulldozers sometimes shoving their entire face into the sand bed searching for food which in turn makes sure it is stays turned over.

They are also bottom-dwelling fish and are an awesome option to add some life to the bottom of the tank. Peppered Corydoras are not shy fish and are constantly actively making them a great and popular fish for community and planted aquariums, peppered corydoras are also considered to be schooling catfish, in the wild they are often seen in groups of a few hundred however in the home aquarium it is recommended to keep at least 3 or more. An ideal school would be around 6 plus individuals to really make them feel comfortable and to add some activity to the tank.

The peppered corydoras are incredibly peaceful and remain fairly small at 6cm max. They are also bred fairly easily in captivity where they will scatter eggs often on the aquarium glass resulting in a fun breeding project. differentiating males and females are possible where the males are often smaller and narrower compared to the larger-bodied females.  However, the best method to identify is to get a pack of 4-6 Corydoras and let a pair naturally form. The wild origin of the peppered corydoras is South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Peppered Corydoras

Being a small catfish, peppered corydoras can be kept in smaller aquariums with the minimum being around 60 liters (20 gallons). This ensures that there is enough space for a school of Corydoras along with any other tank mates. A sand substrate is best as coarser substrates like gravel often result in Corydoras damaging their barbels, this can then lead to infection or further medical problems. The peppered Corydoras would look really nice against lighter coloured sand with incredibly fine gravel as this would best replicate their native range and allow for the cories to blend into their surroundings. They will also appreciate larger stones and wood in the aquarium to allow for cover. They also plant safely and thrive in a well-planted aquarium. Larger leafed plants such as amazon swords also allow for great egg-laying surfaces. The leaves with eggs can be pinched out of the aquarium and raised separately.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Peppered Corydoras is an incredibly peaceful fish that can be kept with an absolutely massive range of community aquariums. They do not display any aggression even when breeding and make for a perfect addition even with sensitive or shy fish. They also make for great dither fish allowing for potentially shy tank mates to display themselves more. The only factor which should be considered is that Corydoras are almost exclusively a bottom-dwelling species which means that any super active or large top dwelling fish may outcompete the corydoras for food.  

Usually Compatible

community fish such as rams, tetras, angelfish, discus, rainbow fish, and many many more.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger peaceful South American cichlids such as Uaru, Severums, and other fish may out-compete them as they are mostly bottom-dwelling fish. 

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as the Oscars may prey on the Corydoras. This is especially important as Corydoras have spines on their pectoral fins like many catfish, this can result in both the corydoras and the predator fish’s death.

Feeding your peppered Corydoras 

peppered cories are very easy to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms. The only thing to ensure is that the food is actually reaching the Corydoras as they can often be outcompeted. This can be averted through multiple feedings throughout the day or the use of a feeding tube.