Pepper Cory
✨ Charming bottom-dwellers with a shimmering peppered pattern. These active scavengers are perfect for community tanks, keeping your substrate clean and lively.
R40,00
Product Details
Pepper Cory (Corydoras paleatus) are beloved freshwater fish known for their iridescent olive-green and silver bodies adorned with dark, pepper-like mottling. These active bottom-dwellers are exceptionally hardy and peaceful, making them a fantastic choice for community aquariums. While they are beginner-friendly, their sensitivity to water quality and substrate cleanliness earns them a moderate care rating to ensure their delicate barbels remain healthy.
🐟 Pepper Cory Care Tips
✅ Tank Requirements
• Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres for a small colony; they require ample floor space to forage.
• Group Size: Keep in groups of 6 or more; they are highly social and exhibit much more natural behaviour in schools.
• Substrate: Fine sand is essential to protect their sensitive barbels from abrasion.
• Filtration: Efficient filtration with moderate flow is recommended to maintain high oxygen levels.
🌡️ Water Parameters
• Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 5–15 dGH
• TDS: 100–300 ppm
🍽️ Diet
• Omnivore: High-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, and flake food that reaches the bottom.
• Supplement with frozen or live bloodworms and brine shrimp for growth and vibrant colour.
🧼 Tank Maintenance
• Perform weekly water changes (10–15%) using dechlorinated, temperature-matched water.
• Regularly vacuum the sand to prevent the buildup of waste, which protects against bacterial infections of the barbels.
🤝 Tank Mates
• Peaceful; best kept with other non-aggressive species such as Tetras, Rasboras, and Dwarf Cichlids.
• Avoid large or aggressive tank mates that may outcompete them for food or bully them.
🍀 Colour & Health Enhancement
• Lighting: Standard aquarium lighting is sufficient; a darker substrate can make their metallic flecks pop.
• Diet: A mineral-rich, varied diet supports healthy growth and vibrant colour:
- High-quality sinking catfish wafers
- Occasional protein foods like Daphnia for breeding condition
- Vitamin-enriched supplements to support immune health
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