CheckMyFishTank

Salt and Pepper Corydoras care

Corydoras habrosus · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Salt and Pepper Corydoras, painted illustration

A small, active cory best kept in a big group.

Smallest tank15 gallons
Adult size1.5 inches
Temperature72 to 79°F
pH6 to 7.5
GroupA group of 8 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsBottom of the tank
Lives3 to 5 years
Watch for: Small foods are best, since their mouths are tiny.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Crushed sinking pellets, baby brine shrimp, micro foods.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Salt and Pepper Corydoras in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Do not mix with

  • Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Salt and Pepper Corydoras.
  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Salt and Pepper Corydoras.
  • German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Salt and Pepper Corydoras need different water temperatures.
  • Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Salt and Pepper Corydoras.
  • Discus: Discus and Salt and Pepper Corydoras need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Salt and Pepper Corydoras.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Salt and Pepper Corydoras.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Salt and Pepper Corydoras.

Questions

What size tank does a Salt and Pepper Corydoras need?

At least 15 gallons for a group of 8. Adults grow to about 1.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Salt and Pepper Corydoras like?

72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Salt and Pepper Corydoras should I keep together?

Keep 8 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Salt and Pepper Corydoras eat?

Crushed sinking pellets, baby brine shrimp, micro foods. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.