Hoplisoma breei (Corydoras breei)
Wild caught origin Exclusive
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IMPORTANT
Keeping fish in an aquarium requires an ethical and responsible approach that prioritizes animal welfare. Purchasing fish for an aquarium should never be an impulsive decision. It is essential to understand the specific needs of each species, including water quality, aquarium size, behavior, and diet. Only fish with similar water quality requirements should be kept together in the same aquarium.
A Little More Information...
Hoplisoma breei, also known as Corydoras breei, is a small South American catfish from the family Callichthyidae. Native to Brazil, it has a low-bodied shape, sensitive barbels, and a subtly marked color pattern. Like many corydoras, it spends most of its time near the bottom and benefits from group living. This species remains very rare in the aquarium trade and is an interesting choice for aquarists seeking an uncommon fish. The specimens offered here are wild-collected and available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada.
General description
Hoplisoma breei is a small, peaceful, and highly social corydoras. It spends much of its time close to the substrate, methodically searching the bottom with its barbels. Like other members of the genus, it may make quick trips to the surface to gulp atmospheric air, a normal behavior associated with intestinal respiration. It should be kept in a group of at least six individuals in a mature, well-oxygenated aquarium. Activity often increases as the lighting becomes dimmer. This very rare species benefits from stable water, a smooth-bottomed layout, and food that reaches the substrate efficiently.
Geographic origin and habitat
The known range of Hoplisoma breei is in Brazil, within the rio Madeira basin, particularly the rio Jamanxim. It is associated with slow to moderately flowing sections of small forest streams. The bottom generally consists of fine sand, gravel, and plant debris, with leaf litter and roots along the margins. In the aquarium, moderate current, effective filtration, and soft to moderately mineralized water provide a suitable general approximation. A temperature of 24 to 28 °C and slightly acidic to neutral pH are appropriate for aquarium care.
Precise locality and local name
Hoplisoma breei is associated with the rio Jamanxim, a watercourse in the rio Madeira basin in the Brazilian state of Pará. In the aquarium trade, the name Corydoras breei remains widely used, although Hoplisoma is the genus used in the classification presented here. No widely established Brazilian vernacular name is associated with this species. For accurate identification, it is best to use the complete scientific name and keep locality information with each shipment. This is especially useful for a very rare species whose identification should remain connected to its geographic origin.
Appearance and physical characteristics
The body of Hoplisoma breei is compact, laterally compressed, and protected by two rows of bony plates. Its inferior mouth has well-developed barbels adapted for locating food in the substrate. The pectoral and dorsal fins have stiff spines, a typical corydoras feature. Its overall coloration is understated, with contrasting markings that help camouflage the fish against the bottom. The caudal fin is forked, while the body retains the compact form characteristic of the group. Adult size remains modest, making it suitable for reasonably sized community aquariums when sufficient floor space is provided. Smooth substrate is important for protecting the barbels.
General diet
Hoplisoma breei is an omnivorous, bottom-oriented feeder. It accepts sinking tablets, quality pellets for bottom fish, and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other small aquatic organisms. A varied diet supports good condition and coloration. It should not be expected to clean waste, and other fish should not be allowed to monopolize its meals. Offer small portions after the lights have been partly dimmed, when activity often increases. Food should reach the bottom quickly so every individual can feed. Frozen foods and high-quality sinking tablets are especially useful when conditioning recently imported wild fish.
Essential data
- River of origin: rio Jamanxim
- Local name used: Corydoras breei
- Origin of the scientific name: breei is the specific name assigned when the species was described.
- Etymology of the complete name: Hoplisoma is the genus name; breei is the specific epithet.
- Common or vernacular names: Corydoras breei; Bree’s cory
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Subfamily: Corydoradinae
- Name pronunciation: hop-lee-SOH-ma bree-EYE
- Discovery: Tencatt, Britto and Reis, 2019
- Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; slightly acidic to neutral pH
- Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: small forest streams, sandy substrate, leaf litter, and roots
- Temperament and behavior: peaceful, social, and active near the bottom
- Sexual dimorphism: adult females are generally broader and more robust than males
- Bottom structure and flow: fine sand or rounded gravel, plant debris, and low to moderate current
- Availability status: very rare, wild-collected, and available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada
For greater success
To keep Hoplisoma breei successfully, provide a mature aquarium, a fine sand substrate, and a suitably sized group. Clean, well-oxygenated, stable water is essential, as is food that actually reaches the bottom. Avoid sharp gravel, aggressive tank mates, and sudden parameter changes. Because this is a very rare wild fish, gradual acclimation and careful quarantine are strongly recommended. Preserving the fish’s natural social behavior and bottom-feeding opportunities will help reduce stress and support long-term health.
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