Common Name: Peppered Cory
Scientific Name: Corydoras Paleatus
Temperature |
pH Range |
Hardness (dH) |
Max. Size |
Min. Tank Size |
Swim Area |
72F - 79F | 5.8 - 7.0 | 2-12 dH | 3 inches | 30 gallons | Bottom |
Description:
Corydoras paleatus is a species of catfish(order Siluriformes)of the family Callichthyidae.
Its common names include peppered cat, pepper cory or salt & pepper cory. It originates from the lower Parana River Basin and coastal rivers in Uruguay and Brazil.
The male is smaller than the female and in proportion to body length, the dorsal fin and pectoral fins are longer on the male than the female. Usually topping out at 2.3 inches.
It is a very good choice for the community aquarium, as it is a hardy, good looking, and peaceful fish. They can be successfully kept with other small, peaceful aquarium fish like live bearers, danios and tetras. It is sometimes seen in the shops as an albino form, although this is similar to other albino corys. It grows to around 7.5cm, and is easily bred at home.
These fish have sensitive barbels and one should have the proper substrate for them. To keep their barbels (whiskers) in the best condition one requires the fine gravel that looks like coarse salt. This is available in white and brown, both look good. Beware that fry are difficult to spot on the brown gravel. Gravel with sharp edges will cut their barbels (until they are gone). Their barbels are important for finding food, and thus remaining healthy.
These fish prefer a planted tank with temperatures around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 24 degrees Celsius) and like to nibble on the algae that grows on floating plants. The lighting must not be too bright and you need to set up hiding places, such as bogwood (also known as mopani wood) for them as they like to hide from the light during certain parts of the day. Also provide heavily planted areas, where the light is minimized as they like darker areas due to their bottom feeding nature.
Feed them on a mixed diet of sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen and live food, such as bloodworm or daphnia. They may also occasionally enjoy a bit of blanched spinach, which you can attach to plants with a peg or the side of the glass with special magnetic clips. you may also see them dart quickly to the top of the tank, this is natural, but will more frequently do this when water quality is starting to deteriorate, so keep an eye on them, they are good indicators!
Origin:Its common names include peppered cat, pepper cory or salt & pepper cory. It originates from the lower Parana River Basin and coastal rivers in Uruguay and Brazil.
The male is smaller than the female and in proportion to body length, the dorsal fin and pectoral fins are longer on the male than the female. Usually topping out at 2.3 inches.
It is a very good choice for the community aquarium, as it is a hardy, good looking, and peaceful fish. They can be successfully kept with other small, peaceful aquarium fish like live bearers, danios and tetras. It is sometimes seen in the shops as an albino form, although this is similar to other albino corys. It grows to around 7.5cm, and is easily bred at home.
These fish have sensitive barbels and one should have the proper substrate for them. To keep their barbels (whiskers) in the best condition one requires the fine gravel that looks like coarse salt. This is available in white and brown, both look good. Beware that fry are difficult to spot on the brown gravel. Gravel with sharp edges will cut their barbels (until they are gone). Their barbels are important for finding food, and thus remaining healthy.
These fish prefer a planted tank with temperatures around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 24 degrees Celsius) and like to nibble on the algae that grows on floating plants. The lighting must not be too bright and you need to set up hiding places, such as bogwood (also known as mopani wood) for them as they like to hide from the light during certain parts of the day. Also provide heavily planted areas, where the light is minimized as they like darker areas due to their bottom feeding nature.
Feed them on a mixed diet of sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen and live food, such as bloodworm or daphnia. They may also occasionally enjoy a bit of blanched spinach, which you can attach to plants with a peg or the side of the glass with special magnetic clips. you may also see them dart quickly to the top of the tank, this is natural, but will more frequently do this when water quality is starting to deteriorate, so keep an eye on them, they are good indicators!
South America
Life Span:3 - 5 years
Diet:Omnivore
Gender Difference:Monomorphic
Differences between male and female:The female is slightly larger
Breeding:Cave Spawner
Temperament/Social Behavior:Peaceful, Gregarious, and Tolerant
Availability:Easily Obtained