Peppered Corydoras Fish (Corydoras paleatus) – Hardy schooling catfish with beautiful speckled patterns. Excellent cleaner and perfect beginner fish for peaceful setups.

The Peppered Corydoras, affectionately called “Peppered Corys” or “Cory Cats,” is a charming, small bottom-dwelling freshwater catfish known for its striking speckled patterns and friendly, peaceful temperament. This hardy species is perfect for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike, making it a go-to choice for community tanks, planted aquariums, and nano setups.

Peppered Corys are active yet gentle, gliding along the substrate in synchronized schools, adding both movement and life to your aquarium while naturally helping with tank cleanliness. Their peaceful nature and adaptability make them excellent companions for small tetras, guppies, rasboras, and other community fish.

🐾 Key Features & Benefits

✔ Striking Speckled Appearance

Peppered Corydoras are named for their distinctive black-and-white speckled patterns, reminiscent of pepper flakes on a creamy background. Each fish is unique, and their patterns create a dynamic, visually appealing bottom layer in any freshwater tank.

✔ Peaceful Schooling Behavior

These fish thrive in groups of 5 or more, displaying synchronized movement and natural social interactions. Schooling reduces stress, encourages natural behavior, and adds a lively, captivating display to your aquarium.

✔ Hardy & Beginner-Friendly

Peppered Corydoras are resilient fish, capable of adapting to a variety of water conditions while remaining active and healthy. Their easy-going temperament makes them ideal for novice aquarists and community tank setups.

✔ Natural Tank Cleaner

These bottom dwellers gently sift through substrate looking for leftover food, algae, and detritus. By doing so, they help maintain a cleaner tank environment without disturbing plants or other tank inhabitants, contributing to a balanced, low-maintenance ecosystem.

🌱 Peppered Corydoras Care & Habitat

Tank & Environment

• Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons (larger groups recommended)

• Temperature: 68–78°F (20–26°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel preferred; protects delicate barbels and encourages natural foraging

• Decor: Driftwood, plants, moss, and smooth rocks create hiding spots and grazing surfaces

Diet & Feeding

• Omnivorous bottom feeder

• Accepts sinking pellets, wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), and occasional live/frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia)

• Feeding in groups encourages natural foraging behavior

Behavior & Social Needs

• Extremely peaceful and non-aggressive

• Best kept in schools of at least 5–6 for social comfort and reduced stress

• Compatible with small, non-aggressive fish

🌿 Aquarium Benefits

• Provides gentle substrate cleaning and detritus removal

• Adds schooling movement and interest to bottom levels

• Compatible with nano tanks, planted aquariums, and community setups

• Enhances tank harmony and visual appeal

⚠️ Important Notes

• Keep in groups to ensure social comfort

• Avoid aggressive tank mates that may stress or harm them

• Maintain stable water conditions and a clean substrate

• Provide hiding spots to reduce stress and mimic natural habitat

The Peppered Corydoras is an essential, beautiful, and peaceful addition to any freshwater aquarium. Their unique speckled patterns, schooling behavior, and natural cleaning abilities make them perfect for novice and experienced aquarists alike. Add a school of Peppered Corys to your tank and enjoy active, charming, and efficient little bottom dwellers that bring harmony, cleanliness, and life to your aquatic environment.