{"product_id":"peppered-cory-hoplisoma-paleatum","title":"Peppered Cory - Hoplisoma paleatum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeppered Cory (Hoplisoma paleatum)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeppered Cory. Also commonly referred to as Peppered Corydoras, Peppered Catfish, Paleatus Cory, Salt and Pepper Cory or Peppered Cory Catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHoplisoma paleatum\u003cbr\u003eStill widely referenced in the aquarium trade as Corydoras paleatus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAround 6–7 cm in captivity, with females usually becoming slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNative 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTemperature: 18–25°C\u003cbr\u003epH Range: 6.0–8.0\u003cbr\u003eHardness: soft to moderately hard water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOmnivorous 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA practical recommendation is at least 70–80 litres for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred for bigger shoals or mixed community setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eCommunity Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBest 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeginner to intermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCommon in trade, with captive-bred specimens regularly available\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46074656161965,"sku":"AG-103300","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46074656194733,"sku":"AG-103301","price":3.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46074656227501,"sku":"AG-103302","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/PepperedCory-Hoplisomapaleatum.jpg?v=1780321281","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/peppered-cory-hoplisoma-paleatum","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}