CheckMyFishTank

Peppered Corydoras care

Corydoras paleatus · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Peppered Corydoras, painted illustration

A hardy cory that tolerates cooler tanks.

Smallest tank20 gallons
Adult size2.75 inches
Temperature68 to 77°F
pH6 to 7.5
GroupA group of 6 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsBottom of the tank
Lives5 to 10 years
Watch for: Rough gravel can damage their barbels, so use sand or smooth fine gravel.

Feeding

Once a day. One or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes. Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms.

Good tank mates

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

Black Neon TetraBlack Phantom TetraBlack Ruby BarbBlack Skirt TetraBoesemani RainbowfishBrilliant RasboraBristlenose PlecoBronze CorydorasBuenos Aires TetraCherry Barb

Do not mix with

  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Peppered Corydoras.
  • German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Peppered Corydoras need different water temperatures.
  • Discus: Discus and Peppered Corydoras need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Peppered Corydoras.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Peppered Corydoras.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Peppered Corydoras.
  • Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Peppered Corydoras.
  • Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Peppered Corydoras.

Questions

What size tank does a Peppered Corydoras need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 2.75 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Peppered Corydoras like?

68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Peppered Corydoras should I keep together?

Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Peppered Corydoras eat?

Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms. Feed once a day: one or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes.

Sources

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