Peppered Corydoras Catfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Beautiful, metallic-scaled Corydoras catfish. Aaron Norman
[edit] Overview
Delightful, modestly sized catfish that is perfect for a beginner's aquarium. They are “armored” catfishes with two main rows of overlapping, bony plates on their bodies. They are a schooling species that should be kept in groups of at least three to best observe their natural behaviors.
Family: Callichthyidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Will be seen continuously and industrially searching the substrate for food. The best choice is either fine-grade or rounded gravel. Provide hiding places, such as driftwood, rocks or inverted flowerpots.
Maximum length: 7.69 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Considered scavengers, these fishes are often neglected when it comes to feeding. They must be fed in the morning and just after the lights are extinguished at night to ensure optimum health and prepare them for spawning. Will accept a wide variety of meaty and herbivore aquarium fare, including flakes and pellets, especially those specifically designed for corys.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Their constant grubbing keeps the substrate well stirred and free of stagnant pockets.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
The larger female carries fertilized eggs between her ventral fins and deposits them on glass panes, leaves or stones. Fry are easily raised in a well-established tank with a layer of mulm.
[edit] Notes
Provide hiding places, such as driftwood, rocks or inverted flowerpots.
| Common name | Peppered Corydoras Catfish + |
| Family | Callichthyidae + |
| Genus | Corydoras + |
| Image credit | AN + |
| Maximum length | 3 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | Lower Paraná River Basin +, Uruguay +, and Brazil + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | paleatus + |
| Swimming level | Bottom. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |