邦德氏兵鲶 · Blackstripe Cory

Overview

Hoplisoma bondi is a peaceful northern South American catfish with a dark lateral band bordered by lighter strips. Similar species may be sold under its name, so locality and the complete pattern deserve attention when identifying aquarium stock.

Distribution & habitat

Records include the Yuruari in Venezuela, the Rupununi drainage in Guyana, and the Courantyne system in Suriname. The first two belong to the broader Essequibo watershed.

Aquarium setup

Fine sand is preferable, though smooth gravel is acceptable when kept clean. Include cover for security while leaving areas where sinking food remains accessible to the group.

Diet & feeding

Offer a varied omnivorous diet of sinking prepared foods and small live or frozen items, such as bloodworms and Tubifex. Feed the catfish directly. Leftovers from upper-water fishes are not sufficient, and their presence does not substitute for cleaning the bottom.

Behaviour & compatibility

Maintain at least four to six conspecifics. These peaceful, social fishes still need dependable feeding opportunities when housed with other inhabitants.

Sexual dimorphism

Females tend to become larger, rounder, and deeper-bodied than males when mature.

Notes

The yellowish body has a central dark stripe that strengthens toward the rear, pale bands alongside it, and brown spotting elsewhere. The head is darker, and most fins lack conspicuous markings. Similar fishes may instead show larger spots, a prominent dark dorsal patch, or a more orange background. A sales name alone cannot resolve these differences.

Rows of bony plates protect the body. Occasional trips to the surface provide auxiliary breathing. Pectoral spines can snag nets or puncture skin during transfer; suggested mild toxicity of secretions around their bases remains uncertain.