尾斑兵鲶 · Tailspot Cory

Overview

Hoplisoma caudimaculatum is a peaceful social catfish with a distinct dark spot on the tail base. Because similar fishes also carry tail markings, compare their edges and snout shape rather than identifying a fish from the spot alone.

Distribution & habitat

It is endemic to the Guaporé drainage of western Brazil and northeastern Bolivia, where the river is known as the Iténez. The type locality lies in the upper main channel in Rondônia, Brazil.

Aquarium setup

Fine sand is preferable, with smooth rounded gravel an option if carefully maintained. Provide cover for security and keep feeding space accessible. Clean substrate remains a basic requirement.

Diet & feeding

Offer an omnivorous assortment of sinking dry foods with small live or frozen supplements such as bloodworms and Tubifex. Feed the group directly. Leftovers and the expectation of aquarium cleaning are not a substitute for a varied diet.

Behaviour & compatibility

Maintain at least four to six together. These calm, gregarious fish need reliable access to food when sharing an aquarium.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature females are generally larger, rounder, and deeper-bodied than males.

Breeding

Common cory breeding techniques can be used, with about two males per female. Condition adults before using cooler water changes and increased oxygenation and flow to encourage spawning. Eggs normally attach to glass; fine plants or mops provide additional sites.

Separate eggs and adults afterward. Transferred eggs need matching, well-oxygenated water. Hatching normally takes three or four days. Following yolk absorption, feed microworms or brine shrimp nauplii. Fry appear less prone to problems over a thin sand layer than over bare glass.

Notes

The tail-base spot is blackish and sharply defined, rather than diffuse and bluish as in one similar species. Open-water habits described for other lookalikes should not automatically be assigned to this fish. Occasional air gulps support auxiliary breathing, while stiff pectoral spines require care during handling.