阿克伦兵鲶 · Acre Cory

Overview

Hoplisoma acrense is a peaceful, social South American armored catfish. Clean substrate, shelter, and intentional feeding are central to its maintenance. It should not be expected to subsist on scraps while serving as an aquarium cleaner.

Distribution & habitat

It is known from the Juruá drainage in Acre, Brazil, and appears to be restricted to that basin. The recorded locality involves a channel associated with Lake São Francisco and a Juruá tributary. A locality name alone does not establish a complete picture of its microhabitat.

Aquarium setup

Fine sand is preferable. Smooth, rounded gravel is usable if kept thoroughly clean. Provide cover for security while retaining accessible feeding space. Elaborate decoration is less important than preventing waste from accumulating around the fish.

Diet & feeding

Offer sinking dry foods alongside small live and frozen items, including bloodworms or Tubifex. Variety supports good condition, but access matters equally: check that individuals receive food rather than depending on leftovers from fishes above them.

Behaviour & compatibility

Maintain at least four to six together. Its peaceful, gregarious behavior favors a group of conspecifics, with any companions chosen and managed so that the catfish can feed normally.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are noticeably broader and rounder than males, particularly when carrying eggs.

Notes

The species apparently originated from a description based on a single specimen, and reliable distinguishing characters remain poorly documented. Generic cory-like appearance alone is insufficient for confident identification. Older literature places it in Corydoras, whereas the current record uses Hoplisoma.

Occasional trips to the surface allow auxiliary air breathing. The protective body plates and stiff pectoral spines require care during handling: spines can puncture skin, and possible mild toxicity of secretions near their bases remains uncertain.