Hoplisoma caudimaculatus

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Hoplisoma caudimaculatus

Hoplisoma caudimaculatus, also called TailSpot Cory or Corydoras caudimaculatus, is a small South American catfish from the Callichthyidae family. It is easy to recognize by the dark spot at the base of the caudal fin, and it spends much of its time moving across the bottom while searching for food. This species remains very rare in the aquarium trade. The specimens offered here are wild-collected and are available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada. Its peaceful behavior and small adult size make it suitable for carefully planned community aquariums.

General species description

Hoplisoma caudimaculatus is a small schooling corydoras that spends most of its time close to the substrate. It uses its barbels to explore the bottom and locate edible particles, while regularly swimming to the surface to breathe atmospheric air. It should be kept in a group of at least six individuals, preferably more, to encourage natural behavior. Its calm temperament makes it a good match for community aquariums containing small, peaceful fish. Like many corydoras, it benefits from a fine, smooth substrate. Its rarity in the trade and wild origin make it especially appealing to experienced aquarists.

Geographic origin and biotope

The species is native to Brazil, in the Rio Purus basin of the Amazon region. It is associated with forested waterways where the water is generally soft, acidic to slightly acidic, and low in dissolved minerals. Natural habitats include quiet or gently flowing areas with sand, silt, and plant debris on the bottom. Leaf litter and roots provide shelter as well as surfaces rich in microorganisms. In the aquarium, this environment can be approximated with gentle filtration, hiding places, and subdued lighting. Stable, well-oxygenated water is more important than attempting to maintain extreme chemical values.

Precise locality and local name

Hoplisoma caudimaculatus is associated with the Rio Purus and its drainage basin in Brazil. The most common trade name is TailSpot Cory, referring to the dark marking on the caudal peduncle. The former trade name Corydoras caudimaculatus is also still widely used, even though the species is now placed in the genus Hoplisoma. Among Brazilian and international aquarists, Corydoras caudimaculatus remains useful for locating older references and aquarium records. This historical name can therefore help when comparing information about wild populations and captive specimens.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is compact and slightly stocky, protected by two rows of bony lateral plates. The base coloration ranges from beige-silver to light gray, with darker markings along the back and flanks. Its most distinctive feature is a clear black spot on the rear portion of the body, just before the caudal fin. The fins are translucent and may show yellowish or orange tones. The inferior mouth is equipped with sensitive barbels used to search through the substrate. Adult size remains small, allowing the species to be kept in an aquarium with modest water depth as long as sufficient bottom area is provided.

General diet

As an omnivore with a detritivorous tendency, Hoplisoma caudimaculatus naturally searches the bottom for small larvae, worms, microscopic crustaceans, and organic debris. In the aquarium, it accepts quality sinking wafers, bottom-feeder pellets, and frozen foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. A varied diet supports good condition and coloration. Feeding after the lights have been partially dimmed is useful because the group becomes more active at that time. Food should reach the bottom quickly, since other fish may consume the ration first. Frozen or live foods are excellent supplements for stimulating appetite and encouraging natural foraging behavior.

Essential data

• Original river: Rio Purus
• Local name used: TailSpot Cory; Corydoras caudimaculatus
• Origin of the scientific name: Hoplisoma is the current genus; caudimaculatus is the specific epithet.
• Full-name etymology: Hoplisoma comes from the Greek hoplon, shield or armor, and soma, body. Caudimaculatus comes from the Latin cauda, tail, and maculatus, spotted.
• Common or vernacular names: TailSpot Cory; Corydoras caudimaculatus
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Subfamily: Corydoradinae
• Name pronunciation: hop lee SOH mah - kaw dee mah koo LAH toos
• Discovery: Han Nijssen and Isaäc J. H. Isbrücker, 1983
• Maximum adult size: About 3.5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 27 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Forested waterways, quiet areas, leaf litter, roots, and dense riparian vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Hyphessobrycon amandae, Paracheirodon simulans, Apistogramma agassizii, Otocinclus affinis
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, schooling, active on the bottom, and occasionally visiting the surface to breathe.
• Water depth: Shallow areas and marginal zones of the waterways.
• Sexual dimorphism: Mature females are usually broader and more rounded in the belly than males.
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand, silt, and plant debris; slow to moderate current.

For greater success

To maintain Hoplisoma caudimaculatus successfully, use a mature aquarium with generous bottom area, very fine sand, and several shelters made from roots or leaves. Keep the fish in a group, provide clean water, and avoid boisterous or predatory tankmates. Wild-collected individuals should be acclimated gradually and offered a varied selection of sinking foods. Gentle filtration, strong oxygenation, and regular water changes will support long-term health. Because this is a very rare species, careful husbandry is especially important and helps protect the value of this exclusive Canadian availability.