Edit Hoplisoma julii

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Name

Scientific name

Hoplisoma julii

Described by

Authority Steindachner, Year 1906, Bracketed

Family

Callichthyidae

Common names

Julii Cory

Photograph credits

All 8 credited

Summary

The julii cory, Hoplisoma julii, long known as Corydoras julii, is an armoured catfish from coastal river systems south of the Amazon delta…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

55mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–26°C, pH 5.5–7.5

Hardness

2–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Brazil, Ararandeua, Caeté, Guamá, Jamari, Maracanã, Mearim, Morcego, Parnaíba, Peixe-Boi, Pindaré, Piriá, Turiaçu

Writing

Etymology

Corydoras: from the Ancient Greek κόρυς (korus), meaning 'helmet', and δορά (dora), meaning 'skin, hide of an animal', in allusion to the rows of bony plates o…

Distribution

Native to coastal river systems south of the Amazon delta in the states of Piauí, Maranhão, Pará, and Amapá, northeastern Brazil. It has been recorded from the…

Habitat

Not written yet

Aquarium size

Minimum base dimensi0ns of 90 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent are recommended.

Maintenance

Ideally use a substrate of fine sand, although rounded gravel is an acceptable alternative provided it is kept scrupulously clean. Other décor is largely down …

Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Corydoras spp. are foraging omnivores, and most will accept sinking dried foods as well as small live and frozen varieties such as chironomid larvae (bloodworm…

Behaviour and compatibility

Peaceful and gregarious. Should be maintained in a group of at least 4-6 individuals.

Sexual dimorphism

Females tend to grow larger, and sexually mature individuals are noticeably broader and deeper-bodied than males.

Reproduction

Can be bred in a similar fashion to many other Corydoras species. Use a ratio of two or more males per female if possible, and when the females are visibly ful…

Notes

This species is also known as 'leopard cory' or 'three-lined cory' in the aquarium hobby, although many of the fish traded as C. julii are the similar-looking …

This species is also known as 'leopard cory' or 'three-lined cory' in the aquarium hobby, although many of the fish traded as C. julii are the similar-looking congener Hoplisoma trilineatum. The latter is native to the upper Amazon basin, where collections for ornamental purposes are more frequent.

The two have traditionally been separated by the colour pattern on the head, with H. julii possessing numerous small, distinct spots on the head, and H. trilineatum a series of vermiform markings. However, some H. trilineatum individuals exhibit a spotted pattern, thus it can be difficult to identify these species in the absence of specific collection details.

Until 2024 this species was placed in Corydoras, then among the largest catfish genera with over 150 valid species. Dias et al. (2024) divided it into five genera and moved this species to Hoplisoma. It is included in the family Callichthyidae, of which members are often referred to collectively as 'armoured' or 'mailed' catfishes group due to the presence of bony plates in place of scales on the body.

Their taxonomy can be confusing, and numerous undescribed species are also thought to exist. Fish of unconfirmed identification entering the aquarium hobby are therefore typically assigned a 'C' or 'CW' number for purposes of reference and organisation.

They are facultative air breathers and possess a modified, highly vascularised intestine which has evolved to facilitate uptake of atmospheric oxygen and aid survival in oxygen-deprived environments. In the aquarium you'll occasionally see them rising to the surface to take in gulps of air.

The stiffened pectoral-fin spines are capable of piercing human skin and a 'sting' can be very painful indeed, so care should be exercised when handling them. It is thought that secretions from the axillary glands at the base of each spine may even be mildly toxic or venomous.

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My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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References

7 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References