Salt and Pepper Cory

About

Dwarf cory (Corydoras habrosus) is one of the smallest members of the armored catfish family, wearing the bony plates typical of the group on a body barely over an inch long. The common "salt and pepper" nickname hints at its appearance. A pale base color broken up by a variable pattern of dark blotches and spots along the flanks, usually two to three distinct markings on each side. It hails from the Upper Orinoco basin in South America, where soft, warm lowland waters are its natural home. One of the more endearing traits of this species is its ability to gulp atmospheric air at the surface, made possible by a modified, highly vascularized section of intestine. So don't panic when you see it darting up for a quick breath. It can also swivel its eyes downward to inspect the substrate, which tends to catch observers off guard the first time they see it. In terms of temperament it is thoroughly peaceful, but it is a genuine schooling fish and does not do well in small numbers. A group of ten or more will produce far more natural, active behavior than a token few. The pectoral-fin spines are sharp and potentially venomous, so handle with care when netting. Breeding is achievable but demands attention to detail, placing this species in the intermediate care category.