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Hoplisoma melini, also known as False Bandit, is a small South American catfish valued for its elegant appearance and peaceful behavior. This bottom-dwelling species belongs to the family Callichthyidae and spends much of its time searching through the substrate with its barbels. Native to Colombia, it inhabits calm to moderately flowing waters that are generally clear and well oxygenated. Its silvery body, crossed by a distinctive dark band, separates it from several related species. It is less frequently offered than the most common Corydoras, making it especially appealing to aquarists looking for a peaceful, social fish with a naturally striking pattern.

General species description

Hoplisoma melini is a small bottom-dwelling catfish that should be kept in a group to display its natural behavior. Like other members of the Callichthyidae, it has two rows of bony plates and sensitive barbels around the mouth. It actively explores the substrate, but may also briefly rise to the surface to swallow atmospheric air, a normal behavior among several Corydoradinae. The species is peaceful, social and well suited to a calm community aquarium. Its availability is generally less consistent than that of very common species, making it an appealing choice for a regional setup or an aquarium featuring Colombian Corydoras. Wild specimens benefit from careful acclimation, stable water and food that reaches the bottom quickly.

Geographical origin and biotope

This species is native to Colombia, in the Río Meta basin. It inhabits lowland waterways connected with the Orinoco drainage, where the bottom consists of fine sand, small gravel and plant debris. The water is generally soft to moderately mineralized, with good oxygenation where the current becomes stronger. Riparian vegetation shades some areas and allows natural leaf litter to collect in quieter sections. In an aquarium, the most useful features to reproduce are a non-abrasive substrate, gentle circulation and shaded areas. The fish offered here are wild-collected; preventive quarantine and extended observation are therefore recommended.

Precise location and local name

The geographical origin generally associated with Hoplisoma melini is the Río Meta basin in Colombia. In the aquarium trade, the name False Bandit is used to distinguish it from the true Bandit Cory, particularly because several dark-banded species have a similar overall appearance. No Colombian vernacular name is widely established in common aquarium references; the trade name False Bandit is therefore the most practical way to identify it. A label showing the drainage and wild status is especially useful, since mixed shipments can make the traceability of Colombian Corydoras more difficult.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Hoplisoma melini has a stocky, slightly laterally compressed body covered with bony plates. Its base coloration ranges from silvery beige to pale gray, with a black diagonal band crossing the dorsal region and extending toward the head. The fins are translucent and may show a slight yellowish tone, while the pale barbels help it locate food. The inferior mouth and spine-supported pectoral fins are typical of the group. This combination of a compact body, protective plates and dark marking makes the species immediately recognizable. Adult size remains modest, allowing it to be kept in a reasonably sized community aquarium, provided that sufficient bottom area is available.

General diet

Hoplisoma melini is an omnivorous bottom feeder that searches for small organisms, larvae, worms and organic debris in the substrate. In the aquarium, its diet should include quality sinking wafers, food pellets for bottom fish and frozen foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. Meals should reach the bottom before being taken by midwater fish. A varied diet supports good body condition and breeding readiness. It should not be expected to live on leftovers, and its digging behavior should not be mistaken for adequate feeding. Small portions offered after the lights have been partly dimmed work well, because it often becomes more active at that time.

Essential data

• Original river: Río Meta
• Local name used: False Bandit
• Origin of the scientific name: Hoplisoma is the current genus; melini is the specific epithet.
• Full-name etymology: Hoplisoma comes from Greek and refers to an armed or protected body; melini is a specific epithet formed from a personal name.
• Common/vernacular names: False Bandit; Corydoras melini
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Subfamily: Corydoradinae
• Name pronunciation: hop-li-SO-ma me-LI-ni
• Discovery: Isaäc J. H. Isbrücker and Han Nijssen, 1979
• Maximum adult size: About 5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 26 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Lowland waterways with sandy bottoms, plant litter and riparian vegetation providing shade
• Typical tankmates: Hoplisoma metae, Hyphessobrycon columbianus, Andinoacara pulcher
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, social, active on the bottom and best kept in a group
• Water depth: Shallow to moderately deep sections
• Sexual dimorphism: Females are generally broader and heavier when viewed from above; males are more slender
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand, small gravel and plant debris; slow to moderate flow

In your aquarium

To keep Hoplisoma melini successfully, provide a group of at least six individuals, soft sand to protect the barbels and filtration that maintains good oxygenation without creating excessive turbulence. Add hiding places, plants and shaded areas, then feed the bottom regularly with suitable foods. Water stability is more important than pursuing extreme values. Because these are wild-collected fish, slow acclimation and quarantine are sound practices. With regular maintenance and peaceful tankmates, this False Bandit becomes an active, interesting and long-lived aquarium resident.