Corydoras Species Guide

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There are over 160 described species of corydoras, making them one of the most diverse genera in the freshwater hobby. Most share the same basic care requirements — soft substrate, schooling groups, sinking foods, and stable water quality — but they differ in size, temperature tolerance, coloration, and availability. This guide covers the most commonly kept species so you can choose the right corydoras for your tank.

Quick Comparison

Bronze Cory (Corydoras aeneus)

The bronze cory is one of the most widely kept freshwater fish in the hobby. It is extremely hardy, adaptable to a broad range of water conditions, and widely available at virtually every pet store. Bronze corys are active foragers that do well in community tanks with most peaceful fish. They are the recommended starting point for anyone new to corydoras. An albino variant is also commonly available and shares identical care requirements.

• Adult size: Up to 2.5 inches
• Temperature: 72–79°F
• pH: 6.0–7.8
• Best for: Beginners, community tanks, first corydoras

Peppered Cory (Corydoras paleatus)

The peppered cory is one of the oldest corydoras in the hobby and remains one of the most popular. It is notable for tolerating cooler temperatures than most tropical fish — down to 64°F — which makes it one of the few corydoras species suitable for unheated or cool-water tanks in temperate climates. Peppered corys are hardy, peaceful, and widely available. They are not suitable for tanks kept at tropical temperatures above 75°F long-term.

• Adult size: Up to 2.5 inches
• Temperature: 64–75°F (cooler than most tropical species)
• pH: 6.0–7.8
• Best for: Cool-water community tanks, unheated tanks in temperate climates

Sterba’s Cory (Corydoras sterbai)

Sterba’s cory is one of the most visually striking commonly kept corydoras, with distinctive spotted patterning and orange-tinted pectoral fins. It is particularly popular in planted tanks and discus setups because it tolerates warmer temperatures — up to 82°F — that would stress most other corydoras species. Sterba’s corys are slightly more expensive than bronze or peppered corys but are widely available at specialty fish stores.

• Adult size: Up to 2.7 inches
• Temperature: 77–82°F (warm-water specialist)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Best for: Planted tanks, discus setups, warm-water community tanks

Panda Cory (Corydoras panda)

Panda corys are named for their distinctive black and white coloration — a white or pale body with black patches over the eyes, dorsal fin, and tail base. They are slightly smaller and somewhat more sensitive than bronze or peppered corys, preferring cooler, cleaner water. Panda corys are best suited for keepers who already have experience with corydoras and can maintain stable, high-quality water conditions.

• Adult size: Up to 2 inches
• Temperature: 68–77°F
• pH: 6.0–7.4
• Best for: Experienced beginners, smaller community tanks, cooler setups

Pygmy Cory (Corydoras pygmaeus)

Pygmy corys are one of the smallest corydoras species, reaching only about 1 inch as adults. Unlike most corydoras, pygmy corys are not strictly bottom dwellers — they spend significant time in the mid-water column, schooling actively in open water. This makes them a unique and visually interesting addition to nano tanks and planted aquariums. They require the same soft substrate as other corydoras and must be kept in groups of 6 or more. Filter intakes should always be covered when keeping pygmy corys due to their small size.

• Adult size: Up to 1 inch
• Temperature: 72–79°F
• pH: 6.0–7.4
• Best for: Nano tanks, planted aquariums, mid-water schooling display

Julii Cory vs. Three-Line Cory

True julii corys (Corydoras julii) and three-line corys (Corydoras trilineatus) are frequently confused and often mislabeled in stores. Both have spotted patterning on a pale body, but three-line corys have a more connected, maze-like pattern while true juliis have more distinct individual spots. Both species share nearly identical care requirements and temperament. Most fish sold as “julii corys” in pet stores are actually three-line corys — either species makes an excellent community fish.

• Adult size: Up to 2.5 inches
• Temperature: 72–79°F
• pH: 6.0–7.8
• Best for: Community tanks, beginners who want a patterned cory

Which Corydoras Should You Start With?

• First corydoras, tropical community tank: Bronze cory — hardiest, most adaptable, most widely available
• Cool-water or unheated tank: Peppered cory — tolerates lower temperatures
• Warm-water or planted tank: Sterba’s cory — handles higher temperatures
• Nano tank: Pygmy cory — small size, mid-water schooling behavior
• Patterned species: Julii or three-line cory — attractive spotting, beginner-friendly

Related Guides

• Corydoras Care Guide (2026)
• Are Corydoras Good for Beginners?
• Corydoras Tankmates
• Corydoras Lifespan
• Best Fish Tanks
• Best Aquarium Heaters