Peppered corydoras

The peppered corydoras is a charming, subtly patterned catfish from the cool, sluggish waters of southeastern South America — primarily the Paraná and Uruguay river systems of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. Its body is a soft olive-grey covered in irregular dark speckles and blotches, giving it the 'peppered' look that lends the species its common name. A pale cream belly and a distinctive dark stripe through the eye complete its clean, understated appearance. Like all corydoras, it has bony armour plates and protective spines in its dorsal and pectoral fins.

Peppered cories are among the most peaceful community fish available. They spend nearly all their time foraging along the bottom in small groups, emerging occasionally to dart to the surface for air. A group of five or more is essential for their wellbeing — they are shoaling fish that become reclusive and stressed when kept alone. They are perfectly safe with any peaceful tankmate that will not outcompete them for food: tetras, rasboras, small livebearers, and dwarf cichlids all make excellent companions. Their diet should include sinking catfish pellets, live and frozen bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and occasional vegetable matter. Notably, this species is subtropical and prefers cooler temperatures than most tropical fish — they are among the few corydoras that do well in unheated indoor tanks.

A tank of 60 to 80 litres (15 to 20 US gallons) with a soft sand substrate is ideal; rough gravel can abrade their barbels and lead to infection. The temperature range of 22 to 26°C and pH of 6.0 to 7.0 suit them perfectly. Unlike many tropical species, they do not tolerate prolonged high temperatures above 26°C well. Peppered cories breed readily in the home aquarium: the female deposits a small batch of adhesive eggs on plant leaves or the aquarium glass, and the classic 'T-position' mating embrace is regularly observed in well-conditioned groups. Eggs hatch in four to six days, and the fry are easy to raise on crushed flake and microworms. With a lifespan of five years or more, they remain one of the most reliable and endearing bottom-dwellers for the temperate community aquarium.