Salt and Pepper Catfish | Corydoras habrosus

Catfish / Callichthyidae / Salt and Pepper Catfish

Profile: Salt and Pepper Catfish
Corydoras habrosus
Synonyms: None
Physical description: The body shape of C. habrosus resembles C. hastatus . The body color is tan to beige and matches the color of the belly. A broken, olive green band extends from the gill cover back to the caudal peduncle. The head and back are spotted with dark spots that are brown or black in color. The caudal fin is striped with 4-5 olive green markings.
Size/Length: To 1" (2.5 cm)
Similar species: ( Corydoras gracilis )
H: South America; Rio Salinas in Venezuela and Columbia
A: bottom, middle
Aquarium: 16" (40 cm) or 5 gallons (19 L). See C. hastatus for other tank specifications.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.8 (7.0); 2-20 dH (10); 75-82 F (24-28 C)
FOOD: Small live foods; small aquatic insects, white worms, Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; tablets; small flakes
Social behavior: A peaceful, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Combine in a community tank with small, peaceful fish. Do not place this little catfish with large fish as the Salt and Pepper Catfish may be eaten.
Social behavior: Small tetras, Apistogramma, Corydoras, Peckoltia
Suggested companions: Females are slightly larger than males.
Breeding techniques: Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water. The eggs are laid singly on the leave of plants. The parents should be removed after spawning.
Breeding potential: 7. This catfish is a fairly difficult to breed.
Remarks: This tiny catfish is known as C. cochui in Colombia.
Difficulty of care: 5. This small fish is sensitive to water chemistry and is an easy meal for larger tank mates.