Peppered Corydoras

Peppered Corydoras

Corydoras paleatus

Also known as: Peppered Cory, Pepper Cory

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟢 Easy 🍽️ Omnivore Schooling (6+)

One of the most popular bottom dwellers. Active, social catfish that constantly forages along the substrate.

Tank Size

15 gal
minimum (20+ preferred)

Temperature

68–78°F
20–26°C

pH Range

6–7.5
water acidity

Max Size

2.5"
6.3 cm

Lifespan

5–10 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Needs sand or smooth gravel substrate — rough gravel damages their barbels. Keep in groups of 6+.

Feeding

Sinking pellets, algae wafers, frozen bloodworms, and leftover food from other fish.

Compatible Tank Mates

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2" Bloodfin Tetra 2" Lemon Tetra 1.5" Black Neon Tetra 1.5" Diamond Tetra 2.5"

Use Caution With

Ember Tetra 0.8" Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Silvertip Tetra 2" Phoenix Rasbora 0.8" Exclamation Point Rasbora 0.7" Colombian Tetra 2.5" Giant Danio 4" Kubotai Rasbora 0.8" Blue Tetra 2.5"

Incompatible With

White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Oscar 14" Discus 8" Jack Dempsey 10" Convict Cichlid 5" Green Terror 8" Texas Cichlid 12" Pike Cichlid 10" Salvini Cichlid 8" Red Devil 12" Jaguar Cichlid 16" Flowerhorn 12"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Peppered Corydoras is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.