A spectacular armored catfish native to the fast-flowing, cool-water streams of southern Brazil. Unlike most tropical catfish, it strictly requires sub-tropical temperatures (16-23°C) and high dissolved oxygen. Frequently confused with 'long-fin' mutations of the standard Peppered Cory (C. paleatus), this is a naturally occurring, highly sexually dimorphic species.
Hi Fin Peppered Cory At a Glance
Hi Fin Peppered Cory Tank Requirements
Will Hi Fin Peppered Cory fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Hi Fin Peppered Cory needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Hi Fin Peppered Cory against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Hi Fin Peppered Cory Water Parameters
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Hi Fin Peppered Cory Temperament & Compatibility
Hi Fin Peppered Cory Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are the namesake of the species, developing spectacular, towering dorsal and pectoral fins as they mature. They also grow bristle-like odontodes on their cheeks. Unlike standard Corydoras, Scleromystax males can be slightly territorial with one another over breeding space.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: High Fin, Sailfin Male, Standard
Female
Females are plumper and slightly longer, but completely lack the dramatic fin extensions and cheek bristles of the males. They are entirely peaceful bottom-dwellers.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Short Fin, Female
Hi Fin Peppered Cory Care Guide Summary
The Hi Fin Peppered Cory, scientifically known as Scleromystax macropterus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 9 cm and have a depressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Hi Fin Peppered Cory requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 100 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 16°C and 23°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Hi Fin Peppered Cory is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Hi Fin Peppered Cory Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Hi Fin Peppered Cory, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
Hi Fin Peppered Cory Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Hi Fin Peppered Cory is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Hi Fin Peppered Cory Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Hi Fin Peppered Cory.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hi Fin Peppered Cory
How big does Hi Fin Peppered Cory get?
Hi Fin Peppered Cory (Scleromystax macropterus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 9 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Hi Fin Peppered Cory need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 100 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Hi Fin Peppered Cory. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Hi Fin Peppered Cory need?
Hi Fin Peppered Cory thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 16–23°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Hi Fin Peppered Cory peaceful or aggressive?
Hi Fin Peppered Cory is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Hi Fin Peppered Cory live alone?
No, Hi Fin Peppered Cory should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Hi Fin Peppered Cory have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Hi Fin Peppered Cory benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Hi Fin Peppered Cory
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Hi Fin Peppered Cory based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Pacific Blue Eye
Pseudomugil signifer
Ideal Tank MatesNorthern Mountain Swordtail
Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl
Ideal Tank MatesPearl Danio
Danio albolineatus
Ideal Tank MatesMurray River Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Ideal Tank MatesHighlands Rainbowfish
Chilatherina campsi
Ideal Tank MatesNeon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Microdevario kubotai
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Hi Fin Peppered Cory
These plants pair well with Hi Fin Peppered Cory based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.
Bearded Cory
Scleromystax barbatus
A large, striking, and somewhat atypical relative of standard Corydoras. Native to the highly oxygenated, cooler coastal streams of Brazil, they require sub-tropical temperatures and will stress or die in standard tropical tanks. They exhibit strong sexual dimorphism. Highly social, they must be kept on a soft sand substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
Black Fin Cory
Corydoras leucomelas
A peaceful schooling catfish native to the Amazon basin, easily identified by its black dorsal fin and a dark mask-like band across its eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are bottom-dwellers that use sensitive barbels to forage. They possess a modified intestine allowing them to gulp atmospheric air, so occasional darts to the surface are normal. They are highly social and require a soft sandy substrate to prevent barbel erosion.
Lacerda Cory C015
Scleromystax lacerdai
A rare and beautiful bottom-dweller endemic to coastal Brazilian streams (Bahia). Unlike typical tropical Corydoras, it is a temperate/sub-tropical species that requires cooler water (20-25°C). They are highly sexually dimorphic and must be kept on a soft sand substrate to protect their delicate sensory barbels.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish easily identified by its black eye patches and spotted dorsal/tail fins, resembling a giant panda. Native to the cooler waters of the Ucayali river system in Peru, they require slightly lower temperatures than many standard tropical community fish. They are strict bottom-dwellers that sift through the substrate for food.
Schwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
A peaceful and active bottom-dwelling catfish native to the Purus River basin in Brazil. Identifiable by its striking pattern of black horizontal stripes and a tall dorsal fin. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social shoaling fish that must be kept in groups and require a soft sand substrate to protect their delicate sensory barbels.