Size
Peppered corys can only grow to a maximum height of about 2.3 inches in a home aquarium (5.9 cm). Males are typically much shorter than females, rarely growing longer than 5 cm (2 inches).
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
The hefty form and two parallel rows of scutes (bony plates) covering its back are characteristics of this species. The lengthy bony plate that covers the animal’s head is where the scientific name derives from. Its top jaw has two pairs of barbels that allow it to sift through the substrate in quest of food. The skin has an iridescent green shine and a subtle olive to tan tinge. No two people have the same pattern of dark green-black patches covering their bodies. The dorsal fin’s first few rays are black, while the caudal fin is covered in a smattering of tiny dots. The fins are pale in color. There are adipose fins, and those on this species’ individuals have a dot at their apex.
Care and Keeping as Pet
- Water Conditions
In shallow, clear water with little to no current, peppered corys reside in schools. Water with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0, an alkalinity of 3 to 10 degrees dKH (54 ppm to 180 ppm), and a temperature of 74 to 80 degrees F are ideal for the fish.
- Housing
Although peppered corys can be kept in tanks as little as 10 gallons (38 litres), it is advised to provide them at least a 20 gallon (70 litre) long tank to give them the finest environment possible. The tank’s bottom’s proportions are more crucial than its height because they spend a lot of time there. They are a relatively calm kind of fish, and they hardly ever display hostility toward one another even when mating. They are ideal for most tetras, danios, and even some small cichlids because they can easily be housed with any other peaceful community fish. Since peppered corys are schooling fish, they should always be kept in groups of at least five. Many aquarists advise keeping them in groups of 10 or more to properly see their natural behavior. This will both lower their stress levels and provide you access to stunning demonstrations of education.
Gravel or other sharp surfaces need to be avoided since they continually root for food there with their delicate barbels. A small-grained sand is typically the best option for the substrate because anything sharp in the aquarium can harm the fish’s barbels. Their tank should include an abundance of aquatic plants in addition to a soft substrate, as well as plenty of driftwood or other decorations where they may hide. If it is not possible, they favour an aquarium that is substantially shaded by dense plant growth.
- Tank mates
This species, which is great for small to big aquariums, should be kept in groups of three or more. Small gentle barbs, danios, livebearers, killifish, small tetras, and dwarf cichlids are good tank mates. Keeping alongside species that require the higher end of tropical temperatures is not advised because of the preference this species has for colder water. Additionally, keep them away from big or aggressive fish.
The pepper cory has razor-sharp barbs under each eye, below the adipose fin, and in front of the dorsal fin, just like the other members of this family. Their purpose is to prevent larger fish from ingesting them. Care should be used when attempting to net these tiny catfish because these could present issues. Although they are quite active throughout the day, this species is very calm and is noted for sitting still for extended periods of time while scouting the area for food scraps. They thrive when kept in shoals and prefer the companionship of other animals.
The ability of this species to make sound by abducting its pectoral fins (moving them away from the midline of the body) is an intriguing trait. Typically, this conduct appears during courting or in young people who are experiencing social anxiety.
- Feeding
Although they prefer live feeds, pepper corys can also thrive on frozen, flake, granulated, and even pellet or tablet foods. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex, and white worms are examples of live foods. Despite the fact that they will occasionally climb to higher levels to snag a morsel, they are mostly bottom feeders and eat almost exclusively on the ground. Consequently, ensure that food is getting to them. An excellent technique to make sure they are getting their fair share of the food is to use sinking pellets or tablets. Even though they are active during the day, they frequently feed at night, so make sure they are adequately fed by dropping a few sinking pills into the tank just before turning out the lights. Deliver live food items with tongs, which you may tuck beneath tank decorations.
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