Peppered Corydoras, scientifically known as Corydoras paleatus is a type of catfish that belongs to the Callichthyidae family.
It has other names like salt and pepper catfish, blue leopard corydoras, and mottled corydoras.
This fish comes from the lower Paraná River basin and coastal rivers in Uruguay and Brazil.
You can find these fish in ponds, feeding on worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants.
If you want to keep them in an aquarium, make sure to have a group of at least 5 fish and use an aquarium that’s at least 60 cm (about 24 inches) long.
Peppered Corydoras Interesting Facts
- Peppered corydoras is a type of catfish that belongs to the family Callichthyidae.
- Its common names include blue leopard corydoras, salt and pepper catfish, and mottled corydoras.
- This fish is found in ponds and originates from the lower Paraná River basin and coastal rivers in Uruguay and Brazil.
- In captivity, they should be kept in groups of 5 or more individuals with a minimum aquarium size of 60 cm. Their diet includes worms, crustaceans, insects, and plant matter.
Peppered Corydoras Habitat
Peppered corydoras is found in South America. They live in the lower Paraná River basin and coastal rivers of Uruguay and Brazil.
These catfish prefer freshwater environments near the bottom.
They can live in water with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and a hardness (dGH) range of 5 to 19.
The ideal water temperature is between 64.4°F to 73.4°F (18°C to 23°C). These fish are typically found in subtropical climates.
| Water Temperature: | 64.4°F to 73.4°F (18°C to 23°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dGH |
Peppered Corydoras Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.6 to 2.8 inches (6.6 to 7.1 centimeters)
Peppered corydoras catfish can have different sizes and weights depending on their gender.
Males can reach a maximum length of 6.6 cm (about 2.6 inches), while females can grow up to 7.1 cm (about 2.8 inches) long.
The heaviest recorded weight for this fish is 11.20 grams (0.39 ounces) for males and 13.10 grams (0.46 ounces) for females.
These fish have one dorsal spine (a sharp point on their back) and eight soft rays (flexible supports) on their dorsal fin.
They do not have any anal spines but possess six soft rays on their anal fin.
Peppered Corydoras Reproduction
Peppered corydoras have a unique breeding process. The female fish holds 2 to 4 eggs between her pelvic fins.
The male then fertilizes these eggs for about 30 seconds.
After that, the female swims to a good location and attaches the sticky eggs there.
The male and female fish repeat this process until they have fertilized and attached around 100 eggs.
Peppered Corydoras Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Genus: | Corydoras |
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras paleatus |
| Also Known As: | Peppered Corydoras, Salt and Pepper Catfish, Blue Leopard Corydoras, Mottled Corydoras |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |