Peppered Catfish

The Peppered Catfish – also known as Blue Leopard Corydoras or Mottled Corydoras – is originally from South America, where it is mainly found in clear water rivers. This mottled patterned and subtly shimmering armored catfish grows to around 7 cm.

Care in the aquarium

Classic for Corydoras, the Peppered Catfish, is a schooling fish that feels comfortable with at least 8 of its own kind. In the aquarium, which holds at least 80 liters, it needs a fine, non-sharp-edged substrate as well as sufficient hiding places in the form of plants and, for example, catfish caves, roots or stones. The Peppered Catfish is fairly easy to keep if these needs are met.

Feeding

Corydoras paleatus is an omnivore so it can be fed a variety of sinking live and frozen foods as well as greens and sinking commercial fish foods.

Sexual characteristics and breeding

The females of the Peppered Catfish can be recognized by their fuller physique and are slightly larger than the males. The Corydoras’ willingness to spawn can be increased by feeding it well and first lowering the water by about 2-3 degrees and then raising it again to the starting temperature. This Corydoras is an egg-laying fish that will attach up to 100 eggs to plants or the aquarium hardscape. For targeted breeding, the eggs should be hatched and reared in a separate breeding tank. About 2 – 3 days after hatching, the young animals can be fed with freshly hatched Artemia nauplii or powdered food.