Peppered Corydoras Catfish

Overview

This popular cory has a place in aquarium history – it was just the third exotic fish ever to be imported for the hobby, in 1876.

It was preceded by the Goldfish, Carassius auratus, and the Paradise Fish, Macropodus opercularis, and, like them probably survived the journey because it is not strictly tropical and tolerates quite low temperatures. No insulated boxes then! Its popularity has never waned, and it is mass-produced commercially in the Far East; there are also cultivated albino, gold, and long-fin forms.

The Peppered Cory is a delightful, modestly sized catfish that is perfect for a beginner's aquarium.

Corydoras 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.

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.

Aquarium Compatibility

Their constant grubbing keeps the substrate well stirred and free of stagnant pockets.

Special Care

Cory-normal – an easy and hardy species for the general community. Note, however, that wild fish should be kept in the lower part of the temperature range cited, with low hardness and fairly neutral pH.

Breeding/Propagation

Almost as easy to breed as to keep. Males are significantly slimmer than females and have much enlarged fins.

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.

Notes

Provide hiding places, such as driftwood, rocks or inverted flowerpots.