Leopard Cory (Corydoras leopardus) A beautifully patterned Corydoras with intricate leopard-like markings, an elegant elongated body and the peaceful, social nature that has made Corydoras one of the most popular community fish in the aquarium hobby. Quick Facts Scientific name: Corydoras leopardus Common name: Leopard Cory Adult size: 6–7 cm Tank size: 90L+ recommended Difficulty: 🟢 Easy Temperament: Extremely peaceful Best kept: Groups of 6 or more Is this for you? ✔️ Perfect if: You want a striking patterned bottom-dweller. You keep a peaceful planted community aquarium. You enjoy watching social schooling fish. You want a Corydoras that's both hardy and elegant. ❌ Avoid if: You keep aggressive or predatory fish. Your aquarium has coarse or sharp gravel. You only plan to keep one Corydoras. Your aquarium is immature or poorly maintained. Why choose the Leopard Cory? The Leopard Cory is one of the most eye-catching members of the Corydoras family. Its cream to silver body is covered in intricate dark markings that resemble the coat of a leopard, while its elongated snout gives it a graceful appearance that sets it apart from many other Cory species. Naturally found in slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon Basin, Leopard Corys spend their day foraging through sand using their sensitive barbels to locate tiny worms, insect larvae and other food. They're constantly active and highly social, making them far more enjoyable when kept in proper groups. Peaceful, hardy and full of personality, Leopard Corys are equally suited to experienced aquarists and beginners who want a premium bottom-dwelling community fish. Benefits Beautiful leopard-like spotted pattern Elegant long-snouted appearance Peaceful community fish Excellent for planted aquariums Active daytime bottom forager Hardy and relatively easy to care for Care made simple Temperature: 22–27°C pH: 6.0–7.5 Diet: Premium sinking pellets, Corydoras wafers, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp and live foods Water: Clean, mature, well-filtered and highly oxygenated Setup: Fine sand substrate, driftwood, leaf litter, plants and open areas for foraging Fine sand is strongly recommended to protect their delicate barbels. Pairs perfectly with Harlequin Rasboras Cherry Barbs Rainbowfish Apistogramma Bristlenose Plecos NTA Insight: Leopard Corys have a slightly longer snout than many of the more common Corydoras species, giving them a graceful appearance when they forage through the substrate. We always recommend keeping them on fine sand, where they can naturally sift for food without damaging their barbels. In groups of 8–10 or more, they're incredibly active and often perform the famous "Cory zoomies" around the aquarium. FAQ How many Leopard Corys should I keep? They should be kept in groups of at least six. Larger groups of 8–12 fish encourage natural schooling behaviour and make them much more confident. Do Leopard Corys eat algae? No. While they help clean up uneaten food from the substrate, they are not algae eaters. They require a dedicated diet of quality sinking pellets, wafers and frozen foods. Can they live with shrimp? Yes. Adult Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Shrimp are generally safe with Leopard Corys. Tiny shrimplets may occasionally be eaten, but dense moss and plants provide excellent refuge. Why do Corydoras swim to the surface? This is normal behaviour. Corydoras periodically gulp atmospheric air, which supplements their oxygen intake. Occasional trips to the surface are perfectly healthy. Can Leopard Corys breed in home aquariums? Yes. Mature fish may spawn in well-maintained aquariums, especially after cooler water changes. Females attach adhesive eggs to glass, plants and decorations, while the adults do not provide parental care after spawning.
