
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hoplisoma habrosum
A miniature corydoras with three rows of broken black blotches along the flanks. It tops out at about 3.5cm and disturbs substrate far less than larger congeners, so it suits planted aquaria.
Hoplisoma habrosum is a small callichthyid catfish from the upper Orinoco River basin, transferred from Corydoras habrosus in the 2024 generic revision of the family. FishBase records a standard length of 2.0cm while Seriously Fish gives 3.5cm, placing it among the smallest corydoras. Three rows of broken black blotches run along the flanks, the source of the English name Salt and Pepper. Aquarium conditions are 20-26C, pH 5.5-7.5 and 2-10dGH, with a 60 x 30cm base and roughly 54 litres as the practical minimum. It is peaceful and strongly gregarious, settling best in groups of at least 4-6 and ideally 10 or more. The mouth is tiny, so fine sinking foods are needed. Spawning uses two or more males per female and is triggered by a large water change with soft, cooler water; eggs hatch in 3-4 days. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Near Threatened.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Salt and Pepper Corydoras lives 3-5 years.
The Salt and Pepper Corydoras grows to 2-3.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the Salt and Pepper Corydoras is 20〜26℃.
Origin
South America (upper Orinoco River basin)
Lifespan
3-5 years
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 habrosum (Weitzman, 1960)
Synonyms: Corydoras habrosus
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.
Find listings for this species
Size
2-3.5cm
Temperature
20〜26℃
Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex
A 60 x 30cm base, about 54 litres, is the practical minimum. Use fine rounded sand so the barbels are not damaged.
20-26C, pH 5.5-7.5, 2-10dGH. FishBase records pH 6.0-8.0 and 2-25dH in the wild.
Peaceful and gregarious; keep at least 4-6 and ideally 10 or more. Being tiny it cannot compete with much larger or more boisterous fish.
A foraging omnivore. Offer sinking dried food plus small live and frozen items such as bloodworm and Tubifex. Do not treat it as a clean-up crew.
Use two or more males per female. Once females are gravid, repeat 50-70 percent water changes with soft, cooler water daily. Eggs are laid on glass, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops and hatch in 3-4 days.
Assessed Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List, on the basis of its restricted range in the upper Orinoco basin.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Salt and Pepper Corydoras is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Salt and Pepper Corydoras is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Salt and Pepper Corydoras typically reaches 2-3.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Salt and Pepper Corydoras feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Salt and Pepper Corydoras varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026