Salt And Pepper Corydoras: Tank Size, Tank Mates & How Many

What size tank do salt and pepper corydoras need?

At least 14 gallons (54 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. 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 habrosus.

How many salt and pepper corydoras in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if salt and pepper corydoras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Tank	How many salt and pepper corydoras
5 gallon	Too small
10 gallon	Too small
20 gallon long	up to 16
29 gallon	up to 23
40 gallon breeder	up to 32
55 gallon	up to 45
75 gallon	60 or more
125 gallon	60 or more

Check salt and pepper corydoras against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, salt and pepper corydoras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.

Tank mates for salt and pepper 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.

Poor matches

Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat salt and pepper corydoras (about 1.4 in).
Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as salt and pepper corydoras.
Molly: They need different water: Salt and pepper corydoras likes a pH of 5.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.

Questions and answers

What size tank do salt and pepper corydoras need?

At least 14 gallons (54 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many salt and pepper corydoras should be kept together?

At least 6. Salt and pepper corydoras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. A group of 10 or more is better if the tank has room.

Can salt and pepper corydoras live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Salt and pepper corydoras needs at least 14 gallons (54 liters).

What temperature do salt and pepper corydoras need?

68–79 °F (20–26 °C), with a pH of 5.5–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.

Can salt and pepper corydoras live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 14 gallons (54 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

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.