Peppered cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: South America (from the Paraná basin in Brazil to the La Plata basin in Uruguay and Argentina). It is a subtropical fish that lives in stagnant pools, marginal lakes and slow rivers.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Peppered Corydoras (Corydoras paleatus). One of the oldest corydoras in the aquarium hobby, second only to C. aeneus. Rounded snout profile and massive body, possesses the ability to breathe atmospheric air.

Social Behavior: Always peaceful. A schooling animal par excellence (at least 6, ideally more than 10), if kept alone it falls into severe stress and constantly isolates itself, wasting away in a short time.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Gray or bronze base color covered by irregular black or olive spots (hence "peppered"). Females become gigantic and massively thick compared to males. Albino variants are known on the market.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum 80 cm (32 inches) tank. Mandatory obligation of the sand bottom (no sharp substrates). Floating plants or broad leaves on the bottom to offer shaded areas.

Diet and Feeding: Tireless omnivorous scavenger, but does NOT eat waste. Needs formulated pellets for catfish, combined with quality frozen food such as bloodworms, tubifex (which it loves digging in the sand for) and daphnia.

Water Quality: INCREDIBLY robust fish. However, being a southern species, it prefers waters between 20° and 24°C (68-75°F), poorly tolerating the 28-30°C (82-86°F) of classic Amazonian tanks in summer.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfect candidate for any community tank. Magnificent with "cold" fish such as large South American Characins (Buenos Aires Tetras), Danios or Corydoras nattereri. Avoid with large predatory Cichlids.

Aquarium Reproduction: Very easy. The drop in atmospheric pressure (a thunderstorm outside the house) and a large change with very cold water trigger frantic T-chases and the laying of countless eggs on the tank glass.

Risks and Diseases: Sharp gravel wears away the barbels leading to starvation and certain death from fungal infections (Fungus). Intolerant to prolonged heat spikes.