Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Peppered Corydoras
Hoplisoma paleatum (Jenyns, 1842); long known as Corydoras paleatus
Also called Pepper cory, Peppered catfish, Blue leopard corydoras, Mottled corydoras, Corydoras paleatus (former name)
From Southern South America: the lower Parana River basin in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, and coastal rivers of southern Brazil and Uruguay, in rivers, pools and small lakes.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Armoured catfish (bony plates, no scales)
A sturdy, medium-sized cory with bony armour plates and whisker-like barbels. The body is olive to greyish with a soft sheen and is scattered with dark blotches and speckles, which gives the 'peppered' look. Males carry relatively longer dorsal and pectoral fins, while females grow noticeably larger and rounder. Wild fish tend to be more vividly marked than farmed ones, and an albino form is also sold.21
Personality what they are like
Calm and social. Peppered corys spend their days rooting through sand in loose groups and mix well with tetras, dwarf cichlids and other gentle fish.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active bottom forager that sifts the substrate for food and rises to the surface now and then to gulp air.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide soft sand for digging and keep up regular partial water changes. Their pectoral spines are stiff, so use a soft net when catching them.2
Home where they are happiest
About 60 x 38 cm (around 70 litres) minimum. Seriously Fish suggests 22 to 26 C while FishBase lists a cooler subtropical range of 18 to 23 C; pH about 6.0 to 8.0 and soft to fairly hard water (0 to 19 dGH across sources). Sandy floor with plants and cover.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Opportunistic omnivore. Feed a good sinking dry food as the base and add small live or frozen foods regularly. Wild fish eat worms, small crustaceans, insects and plant matter.23
Company who they like around
Does best in a group of at least five; bigger groups behave more naturally.23
The story where it all began
Charles Darwin collected this fish near Buenos Aires during the voyage of HMS Beagle in the 1830s, and Leonard Jenyns described it in 1842. It went on to become one of the most familiar catfish in the aquarium hobby and is widely bred in captivity. In 2025 it was moved to the genus Hoplisoma.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was first found by Charles Darwin during the Beagle expedition, near Buenos Aires.1
- 2
Peppered corys can make sounds by moving their pectoral fins, both during courtship and when alarmed.1
- 3
A spawning can yield 50 to 150 eggs, with a high hatching rate of around 87 percent.1
- 4
A large, cooler water change can prompt spawning, imitating the rainy season.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 15 October 2020)3
- Taxonomy
- Originally described as Callichthys paleatus; moved to the genus Hoplisoma in the 2025 phylogenomic revision1
- Family
- Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes), subfamily Corydoradinae1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Peppered Corydoras. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Peppered Corydoras?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and a good breeder can help you adjust portions for your fish.2 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Peppered Corydoras eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy sinking dry food as a base, plus small live or frozen foods like worms and insects. Never feed them large or floating foods that they cannot reach at the bottom.23
How much space does a Peppered Corydoras need?
A tank of about 70 litres (60 x 38 cm) is the minimum for a small group. They are active bottom foragers and need room to sift through soft sand.23
What temperature, light or water does a Peppered Corydoras need?
Keep water between 18 and 26°C, with pH around 6.0 to 8.0 and soft to fairly hard water. Provide soft sand, plants, and cover, with gentle lighting.23
How often should I clean a Peppered Corydoras's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and glass cleaning, plus a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Regular partial changes keep them healthy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Peppered Corydoras live with others?
Yes, they are calm and social, doing best in groups of at least five. They mix well with tetras, dwarf cichlids, and other gentle fish.23
How long does a Peppered Corydoras live?
Their lifespan varies with care, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specifics. With proper habitat and diet, they can live for several years.
Can I handle a Peppered Corydoras?
It is best not to handle them; their pectoral spines are stiff and can cause injury. Use a soft net when moving them, and always keep them in water.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Wikipedia: Hoplisoma paleatum en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, Darwin history, colour forms, sound production, eggs
- Seriously Fish: Corydoras paleatus seriouslyfish.comused for care, size, temperament, breeding
- FishBase: Hoplisoma paleatum fishbase.seused for valid name, length, water parameters, IUCN status
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.