杂色兵鲶 · Pepper Cory

Overview

Commonly available Hoplisoma paleatum is mostly captive-bred, with occasional wild fish often showing stronger coloration. This peaceful social catfish needs clean substrate and its own supply of sinking food.

Distribution & habitat

Its native range includes parts of southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. It uses rivers and tributaries as well as standing waters such as pools and small lakes.

Aquarium setup

A tank around 61 by 38 by 30 cm can use sand for foraging and rocks or wood for shelter. Poorly maintained gravel can promote barbel infections, so substrate hygiene matters.

Diet & feeding

Wild gut contents show opportunistic feeding on worms, crustaceans, plant material, and other benthic organisms. Use quality sinking food with regular small live or frozen supplements in captivity.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep it in a group with suitable small, peaceful community fishes, such as compatible tetras or dwarf cichlids.

Sexual dimorphism

Females grow substantially larger and rounder, particularly when gravid.

Breeding

Use at least two males per female and condition the group with live or frozen foods. A substantial change with water about 5 °C cooler may trigger spawning after one or several attempts. Increased activity precedes T-shaped pairing; the female holds eggs between her pelvic fins before attaching them to glass or leaves. Several spawning pairs can produce hundreds of eggs collectively. Remove adults afterward. Hatching takes around three days. Begin with small foods such as microworms, then progress to fine prepared food and brine shrimp nauplii. Maintain water quality with careful changes that do not siphon out fry.

Notes

Intestinal air breathing explains occasional surface gulps. Stiff spines at the leading edge of the pectoral fins require care during handling.