Corydoras-Pepper

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.

Pepper Cory (Corydoras paleatus)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Body: Small, compact, and robust with a typical Corydoras shape—sturdy and slightly flattened.
  • Color: Grayish or silver body with small black or dark gray spots scattered over the body, resembling pepper flakes. This pattern gives them their common name.
  • Size: Typically grows to about 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) in length.

• Behavior:

  • Activity: Active and bottom-dwelling. Known for their curious and playful nature, often seen foraging through the substrate.
  • Social Structure: Highly social; prefers to be kept in groups. Schooling behavior helps reduce stress and promotes natural activities.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum of 20 gallons (76 liters) for a small group. Larger tanks are recommended to provide ample space and maintain good water quality.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
  • pH: 6.0-7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions.
  • Filtration: Standard filtration is adequate. Ensure the filter does not create strong currents, as Corydoras prefer calmer waters.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft, smooth substrate such as sand or fine gravel. Avoid sharp or rough substrates to protect their sensitive barbels.
  • Aquascaping: Provide hiding spots and structures like rocks, driftwood, and plants. These elements help create a comfortable environment and reduce stress.
  • Lighting: Standard aquarium lighting is sufficient. They do not require special lighting but do best with moderate light levels.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality sinking pellets or tablets, as well as live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, peas) to provide dietary variety and support overall health.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful fish. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species. Suitable tank mates include small to medium-sized community fish.
  • Social Behavior: Pepper Corydoras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5-6 individuals to ensure they feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and reduce toxin buildup.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or waste. Ensure the filtration system is functioning properly.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like discoloration or damaged barbels.
  • Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise. Address any signs of disease or stress promptly to ensure the health of your fish.