Peppered Cory Care Guide

Peppered Cory (Corydoras paleatus) is a beginner-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 64-77°F. One of the oldest and hardiest corydoras in the hobby, with a speckled olive body. It tolerates cooler water than most corys, so it suits unheated rooms and mixes with goldfish-range temperatures better than tropical-only species.

Care facts at a glance

Quick tips

• Keep a group of five or more on smooth sand or fine gravel.
• Feed sinking foods after lights-out if tankmates are quick.
• Sharp gravel damages the barbels and leads to infections.

San Diego water

Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.