Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
Origin: South America (southeastern Brazil, La Plata basin)
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 7 cm
- Min Tank
- 60 L
- Lifespan
- 10-15
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- Yes (6–15+)
- Diet
- Omnivore; sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, algae wafers
- Temperament
- Peaceful; classic community bottom-dweller
About
The Peppered Corydoras is one of the most widely kept bottom-dwellers in the entire freshwater hobby, with an attractive grey-green body covered in irregular dark spots and blotches. Native to the La Plata basin of southeastern Brazil and Uruguay, it is one of the few Corydoras that tolerates cooler water—making it suitable for unheated aquariums in temperate climates. Highly social, it must be kept in groups of 6 or more to display its full natural behavior.
Care Guide
Keep in groups of 6+ on fine sand or smooth substrate. Provide leaf litter, driftwood, and lower lighting. Feed sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, and daphnia. Tolerates cool temperatures down to 18°C—one of few cory species suitable for cool-water community tanks.
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