Edit Hoplisoma metae

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Name

Scientific name

Hoplisoma metae

Described by

Authority Eigenmann, Year 1914, Bracketed

Family

Callichthyidae

Summary

The bandit cory, Hoplisoma metae, long known as Corydoras metae, is an armoured catfish endemic to the upper Río Meta, an Orinoco tributary…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

50mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 80 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

5–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries

Colombia

Supporting text

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

Endemic to the Río Meta, a major tributary of the Río Orinoco in eastern Colombia. It is known from several tributaries within the upper basin including the rí…

Habitat

Not written yet

Aquarium size

Base dimensions of 80 ∗ 30 cm31 ∗ 12 in or equivalent are recommended for long-term care.

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 will accept most 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 rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when gravid.

Reproduction

Can be bred in a similar fashion to many other Corydoras species. Use a ratio of two males per female if possible. When the females are visibly full of eggs pe…

Can be bred in a similar fashion to many other Corydoras species.

Use a ratio of two males per female if possible. When the females are visibly full of eggs perform a large (50-70%) water change with cooler water, and increase oxygenation and flow in the tank. Repeat this daily until the fish spawn.

Eggs are normally deposited on the aquarium glass, but it is recommended to provide alternatives in the form of fine-leaved vegetation or fine spawning mops.

Once spawning is complete either adults or eggs should be removed; the latter can usually be rolled gently up the glass with a finger. The new container should contain the same water as the spawning tank and be similarly well-oxygenated.

Most breeders add a few drops of methylene blue, or an alder cone or two at this point in order to prevent the eggs developing fungus.

Incubation is normally 3-4 days and once the fry have fully-absorbed their yolk sacs they are able to accept small live foods such as microworm, Artemia nauplii, etc.

They require excellent water quality, but seem less susceptible to ailments when maintained over a thin layer of sand rather than in a bare-bottomed arrangement.

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Where does this come from?

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 profileFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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DOI

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Year

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Pages

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Notes

This species is also referred to as 'masked' or 'Meta' cory in the aquarium hobby. It can be distinguished from similar-looking congeners by the form of the ob…

References

5 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Tank size

Water

Temperature and pH

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries

Supporting text

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References