Description
Pepper Cory
Pepper Corys are charming and graceful bottom dwellers, with distinctive peppered black-and-white pattern. These peaceful, social catfish bring both elegance and lively activity to planted community tanks, making them a favorite among Cory enthusiasts.
Hardy and easy to care for, Pepper Corys thrive in well-maintained aquariums with soft substrates and plenty of hiding spots. Their gentle schooling behavior and playful nature make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Scientific Name: Corydoras paleatus
Common Names: Pepper Cory, Peppered Corydoras
Size: Grows up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)
Color: Silver-white body with peppered black spots
Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care
Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons (best kept in groups of 5 or more)
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
Temperament: Peaceful, active, social
Diet: Omnivorous; enjoys sinking pellets, wafers, bloodworms, and brine shrimp
Care Tips:
• Use fine sand or smooth gravel to protect delicate barbels and fins
• Keep in groups of at least 5 to encourage natural schooling and reduce stress
• Provide plenty of plants, caves, and driftwood for shelter
• Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water for optimal health
• Avoid aggressive or large tank mates that may harass these peaceful fish
Ideal For:
• Planted community aquariums
• Aquarists seeking a peaceful bottom dweller
• Both beginner and advanced hobbyists who appreciate Cory varieties
Bring home a group of Pepper Corys and enjoy their graceful movements, distinctive patterns, and endearing social behavior as they add charm and activity to your aquarium’s bottom zone!
Fish Quarantine Process
At 10 Gallon Fish Tanks, we take the health of our fish seriously. Every fish we bring in undergoes a strict 2-4 week quarantine process to ensure they are free of parasites, fungal infections, and bacterial diseases before being introduced to our main tanks.
During this quarantine period, fish are treated with the “Med Trio” as needed:
• Paracleanse – Targets internal & External parasites like worms and protozoans. Things like fish lice, tapeworms, hole in the head, skin and gill flukes.
• Ich-X – Treats external parasites and fungus. Treats Ich and white spot disease.
• Maracyn – An antibiotic that combats bacterial infections, preventing issues like fin rot, skin redness, open wounds, swollen eyes etc.
This quarantine protocol ensures that every fish we sell are healthy, acclimated to Tennessee water, and ready to thrive in their new home.
Water Parameters for Healthy Fish
To help you achieve the best results when acclimating your new fish, we’ve included a photo showing the exact water parameters we maintain in our tanks. These values are carefully monitored and kept stable, ensuring that each fish grows and thrives in a healthy, natural environment.
By following these parameters at home, you can provide the smoothest transition possible for your fish, helping them settle in quickly and comfortably. We’re dedicated to setting you up for success with your new fish, and sharing these details is part of our commitment to their health and your enjoyment.

Shipping Information:
- Our fish, shrimp, & snails are carefully packaged in breathable bags.
- The shipping box is well-insulated to maintain optimal conditions. In most cases, additional heating or cooling packs are not necessary. However, to ensure the health and survival of the fish, shrimp, & snails it is essential that they are brought indoors promptly upon arrival, particularly in extreme weather conditions (either hot or cold). Please monitor the tracking number for updates on the estimated delivery time.
- We ship on Mondays (unless you have a special requested shipping time) with all orders processed by 10 AM. We currently only ship within the United States.
- If there are extreme weather conditions, we may postpone shipments until weather is better to make sure your shrimp arrive safely.
- In the unlikely event of a DOA (Dead on Arrival), we will refund the cost of the fish, shrimp, or snail provided that a photograph of the deceased animal, is still in the packaging, and is submitted within 1 hour of delivery of the package. Please note that any additional shipping costs for the replacement are the responsibility of the buyer. While our shipping methods are designed to minimize the risk of DOA, we cannot control the handling by postal employees or drivers.
We are committed to ensuring your satisfaction with your order. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns.








