Peppered Cory - Hoplisoma paleatum

Peppered Cory (Hoplisoma paleatum)

The Peppered Cory is a classic and much-loved Cory-type catfish, known for its mottled grey, silver and black patterning, peaceful nature and active bottom-dwelling behaviour. Also known as the Peppered Corydoras or Peppered Catfish, this hardy species is one of the best-known aquarium catfish and is especially useful for cooler tropical or temperate freshwater community aquariums. It is social, gentle and best kept in groups on soft sand, where it can naturally forage without damaging its delicate barbels.

Common Name:
Peppered Cory. Also commonly referred to as Peppered Corydoras, Peppered Catfish, Paleatus Cory, Salt and Pepper Cory or Peppered Cory Catfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Hoplisoma paleatum
Still widely referenced in the aquarium trade as Corydoras paleatus.

Maximum Size:
Around 6–7 cm in captivity, with females usually becoming slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to South America, with records from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. In the wild, Peppered Corys are associated with subtropical freshwater habitats including streams, tributaries, ponds, floodplain waters and slower-moving areas with soft substrate. Compared with many tropical Cory-type catfish, this species naturally tolerates cooler conditions.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–25°C
pH Range: 6.0–8.0
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water

Temperament:
Very peaceful and suitable for calm community aquariums. It should not be kept with aggressive, boisterous or predatory fish that may stress it, outcompete it or damage its fins and barbels.

Diet:
Omnivorous bottom feeder. It should be offered a varied diet including quality sinking catfish pellets, fine granules, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and other small frozen or live foods. It will search the substrate for food, but should not be expected to survive only on leftovers.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 70–80 litres for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred for bigger shoals or mixed community setups.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is a social bottom-dweller that should be kept in a group of at least 6, ideally 8 or more. In good numbers, Peppered Corys become more confident, active and natural in behaviour. They spend much of their time exploring the substrate, resting together and searching for food. Soft sand is strongly recommended, as rough gravel can damage their barbels and reduce natural foraging behaviour.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is peaceful and works well with other calm freshwater fish that enjoy similar cooler tropical or temperate conditions. Suitable tank mates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows, danios, small barbs, temperate livebearers, peaceful tetras kept at suitable temperatures, small plecos and other non-aggressive community species. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predators, fin nippers, rough bottom-dwellers and very warm discus-style aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature aquarium with soft sand, clean water, good oxygenation and regular maintenance. Peppered Corys are cooler-water tolerant and should not be kept long-term at high tropical temperatures. Avoid sharp substrates, dirty gravel and unstable water conditions, as Cory-type catfish are sensitive to barbel damage and poor water quality. Like other Cory-type catfish, they may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade, with captive-bred specimens regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.