
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hoplisoma paleatum
A subtropical corydoras whose pale body is peppered with dark blotches. It tolerates cooler water than most congeners and is one of the two most widely kept species in the genus.
Hoplisoma paleatum is a small callichthyid catfish from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, moved out of Corydoras paleatus in the 2024 generic revision. FishBase records 6.6cm standard length for males and 7.1cm for females. The pale body is scattered with dark blotches, the source of the name Peppered. Its range is subtropical and FishBase gives a wild temperature of 18-23C, which is cool for the genus. Aquarium temperature is 22-26C and sustained heat is best avoided, with pH 6.0-7.0, 0-12dGH and a 61 x 38cm base of about 70 litres. It is peaceful and gregarious, and should be kept in groups of at least four to six. Breeding is among the easier of the genus, and Seriously Fish notes that most fish offered for sale are captive bred. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Peppered Corydoras lives 3-5 years.
The Peppered Corydoras grows to 6.6-7.1cm.
The ideal temperature for the Peppered Corydoras is 22〜26℃.
Origin
South America (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Hoplisoma paleatum (Jenyns, 1842)
Synonyms: Corydoras paleatus
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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6.6-7.1cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex
A 61 x 38cm base, about 70 litres, is the guide. Use fine rounded sand and keep it scrupulously clean. The fish gulps air at the surface, so never block access to it.
22-26C, pH 6.0-7.0, 0-12dGH. FishBase records 18-23C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-19dH in the wild. Being subtropical, it copes well with cooler water.
Peaceful and gregarious; keep at least four to six. It prefers cooler water, so avoid long-term mixing with tropical fishes that need high temperatures.
A foraging omnivore. Offer sinking dried food plus frozen bloodworm and Tubifex. It must never be expected to live on leftovers or to clean the tank.
Use two males per female. Once females are gravid, make a 50-70 percent water change with cooler water and raise oxygenation and flow. Eggs are laid on glass, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
Assessed Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Most fish offered for sale are reported to be captive bred. Artificially dyed specimens should be avoided.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Peppered Corydoras is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Peppered Corydoras is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Peppered Corydoras typically reaches 6.6-7.1cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Peppered Corydoras feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Peppered Corydoras varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026