Peppered Cory

Corydoras paleatus

Also sold as Paleatus · Longfin peppered cory

Synonyms Pepper corydoras · Albino paleatus · Hoplisoma paleatum · Peppered corydoras · Peppered catfish · Mottled corydoras

Peppered Cory (Corydoras paleatus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 7 cm (2.8 in) and swims along the bottom in a shoal. It wants 72–79°F (22–26°C) and pH 6–7, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 70 L (18 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	7 cm (2.8 in)
Minimum tank	70 L (18 gal)
Group size	6 or more
Temperature	72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH	6–7
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	5–8 years
Eats shrimp	Shrimplets only

Before it goes in

Peppered Cory needs at least 70 L (18 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
It holds at 72–79°F (22–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
A group of 6 takes up roughly 84% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 70 L (18 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.

How many should I keep?

6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.

What water does it want?

72–79°F (22–26°C), pH 6–7.

How long does it live?

5–8 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Peppered Cory	Bronze Cory	Sterbai Cory
Adult size	7 cm	7 cm	7 cm
Min tank	70 L	75 L	75 L
Group	6+	6+	6+
Temperature	72–79°F (22–26°C)	70–81°F (21–27°C)	75–82°F (24–28°C)
Eats shrimp	Shrimplets only	Shrimplets only	Shrimplets only

More livestock

Plan a tank with Peppered Cory →

Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026