C. Habrosus (Salt & Pepper) Behavioural Norms?

[peteus2002]

I currently have 8 Salt & Pepper Corys. I was under the impression that these were an active schooling fish, however, mine barely shoal, let alone school. They are also quite subdued and only become active when food is on offer. I am just wondering what other people’s experiences of this little critter are. If mine are not acting normally, is there anything I can do to make them more comfortable?
 
Aquarium info:
Age 3 years
24 Gallons
Sand substrate
Moderate planting (crypts and suspended anubias)
Dried oak leaves
Subdued lighting
Weekly 25% water change with Seachem Prime
Ph 8.5 (my limestone does have some water in it)
 
Stock:
6 Black Skirt Tetra
6 Neon Tetra
10 Ember Tetra
8 Salt & Pepper Corydoras
 
Feeding: (on a rotational basis)
Aquarian Tropical Flakes
Tubifex worms
Algae wafers (hidden just under the substrate to encourage foraging)

 

[chokko]

my hasbrosus dont hang out together much in 18/19Gal tank. maybe they're big enough to feel safe in small tanks such as these.

The hastatus/pygmys on the other hand, hang out together much more. Hastatus seem the most active of the 3 types.

 

[Shaddex]

Ph 8.5 sounds very high for cory's.
 
6.6-7.4 is my usual PH for corys.  Also water temp around low to mid 20's (Celsius)

 

[Shaddex]

Just bought a group of 6 Habrosus, they are tiny...

 

[Lilfishy]

my habrosus were very shy I barely saw them, I eventually changed to pygmys & they're very active & stay together

 

[Shaddex]

My 6 are very active, especially when you turn off the tank light.