Corydoras habrosus
A dwarf cory smaller than the pygmy — under 3.5 cm fully grown. The black-and-white peppered pattern reads well against sand substrate. Mid-water swimmer like the pygmy cory, not bottom-bound. Excellent for shrimp tanks because they are too small to eat adult shrimp.
Salt and Pepper Cory (Corydoras habrosus) reaches 2.5–3.5 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 45 L. Native to Venezuela and Colombia, it lives in the bottom water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 2–12 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 4–6 years with good care. Keep salt and pepper cory in groups of 8+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore, Crushed sinking pellet, baby brine shrimp, micro worms, finely crushed flake. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Yes.
Care at a glance
A dwarf cory smaller than the pygmy — under 3.5 cm fully grown. The black-and-white peppered pattern reads well against sand substrate. Mid-water swimmer like the pygmy cory, not bottom-bound. Excellent for shrimp tanks because they are too small to eat adult shrimp.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether salt and pepper cory fits in your tank.
Bottom
Yes
Group of 8+
Callichthyidae
Omnivore
Crushed sinking pellet, baby brine shrimp, micro worms, finely crushed flake.
4–6 yrs
Hard
Venezuela and Colombia
Venezuela and Colombia
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Salt and Pepper Cory (Corydoras habrosus) needs a minimum tank of 45 L. They live in the bottom water column and should be kept in groups of 8+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and 2–12 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Yes. Plant safety: Yes.
Salt and Pepper Cory are omnivore. Crushed sinking pellet, baby brine shrimp, micro worms, finely crushed flake.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 4–6 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
