CORYDORA PEPPERED 3.5cm

Peppered Corydoras (Corydoras paleatus) are peaceful, social bottom dwellers from South America. They are one of the hardiest and most commonly kept corys, and they handle cooler water better than most tropical community fish. After lights-out is a good time to feed—they forage well then, and midwater fish are less competitive. Peppered Cory are social and happiest in a same-species group. Alone or in twos, they hide, look dull, and get stressed. Keep them in a group of at least 6 (8–10+ is better).

Occasional trips to the surface to gulp air are normal. Corydoras can use their intestine as a backup air-breathing organ. Constant gasping plus lethargy is different — that usually means low oxygen or dirty water.

They are not a cleanup crew. Leftover flake is not a diet.

TANK SET UP: Longer footprint beats a tall tank. Use fine, smooth sand—open sand patches for foraging. Plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and caves for cover. A lid is useful — they can dash to the surface.

TANK MATE: Good companions (similar temperament and overlapping cooler temps):

• Other corys

• Rasboras, many small tetras, danios, white clouds

• Peaceful livebearers (guppies, platies) if parameters overlap

• Bristlenose pleco in a larger tank

• Cherry shrimp and snails (adult shrimp usually fine)

FILTRATION: Need efficient mechanical and biological filtration that maintains clean, oxygen-rich water with a gentle current.

MAINTENANCE: Ammonia/nitrite 0ppm; Nitrate ideally under 20–30 ppm.

FEEDING: Feed them on the sand, not only what other fish miss.

• Quality sinking cory/catfish pellets or wafers

2–4 times a week:

• Frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp

• Occasional live foods if you use them

Feed 1–2 small meals a day.