What size tank do peppered corydoras need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Corydoras paleatus.
How many peppered corydoras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if peppered corydoras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many peppered corydoras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 7 |
| 29 gallon | up to 10 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 14 |
| 55 gallon | up to 19 |
| 75 gallon | up to 26 |
| 125 gallon | up to 44 |
Check peppered corydoras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, peppered corydoras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for peppered corydoras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Zebra danio
- Platy
- Swordtail
- Rosy barb
- Odessa barb
- Neon tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- White Cloud Mountain minnow
Poor matches
- Betta: Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Peppered corydoras likes 64–77 °F (18–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as peppered corydoras.
Questions and answers
What size tank do peppered corydoras need?
At least 20 gallons (76 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many peppered corydoras should be kept together?
At least 6. Peppered corydoras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can peppered corydoras live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Peppered corydoras needs at least 20 gallons (76 liters).
What temperature do peppered corydoras need?
64–77 °F (18–25 °C), with a pH of 6–8. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can peppered corydoras live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Their temperature ranges barely overlap: Peppered corydoras likes 64–77 °F (18–25 °C), Betta likes 75–82 °F (24–28 °C).
More fish
- Shell dweller
- Bronze corydoras
- Panda corydoras
- Sterba's corydoras
- Pygmy corydoras
- Otocinclus
- All 81 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.