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Hoplisoma burgessi, also known as Corydoras burgessi, is a small South American catfish from the family Callichthyidae. It can be recognized by its pale body crossed by a dark band and by its delicately colored fins, and it spends most of its time near the aquarium floor. This peaceful species lives in groups and regularly searches the substrate with its barbels. The specimens offered are wild-collected, so careful acclimation is advisable. Relatively uncommon in the aquarium trade, Hoplisoma burgessi is suitable for a peaceful community aquarium that is mature, clean, and thoughtfully arranged.

General species description

Hoplisoma burgessi is a small armored catfish with strongly social behavior and is best kept in a group of at least six individuals. It stays mainly near the bottom, occasionally rising to the surface to take in atmospheric air. This intestinal breathing is normal among several Callichthyids, but it does not replace good water oxygenation. Its temperament is very peaceful, and it does not attack other fish. A fine, non-abrasive substrate, stable water, and shaded areas are recommended. Because this species is wild-collected, quarantine and gradual acclimation are especially sensible practices.

Geographical origin and biotope

Country of reference: Brazil. Hoplisoma burgessi is associated with the rio Guamá basin in the state of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. It occurs in calm or moderately flowing areas where the bottom contains sand, plant debris, and accumulated leaves. Roots, submerged branches, and streamside vegetation provide shelter. In the aquarium, this type of habitat can be suggested with wood, suitable dried leaves, and sturdy plants. Slightly acidic to neutral water with low to moderate mineral content is generally preferable to very hard water. The biotope should remain clean, well oxygenated, and free of accumulating waste.

Precise locality and local name

The reference locality for Hoplisoma burgessi is the rio Guamá in Pará, Brazil. The scientific name is commonly used in the aquarium hobby, while Corydoras burgessi remains the most familiar commercial or vernacular name. No widely established Brazilian local name is retained here. In aquarium stores and hobbyist exchanges, the species may be listed under its former taxonomic combination, Corydoras burgessi, or its current name, Hoplisoma burgessi. Knowing both names helps avoid confusion when researching, purchasing, or comparing species profiles. Its Amazonian origin and irregular availability explain why it is relatively uncommon.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Hoplisoma burgessi is short, deep, and protected by two rows of lateral bony plates, a typical feature of armored catfish. The base color is usually beige-pink to light brown. A black oblique band crosses the eye and head region, while the front part of the body may show warmer orange or copper tones. The fins can display yellow, orange, or brown shades depending on age, condition, and collection origin. The underside of the mouth bears sensitive barbels used to locate food in the substrate. As in other Hoplisoma, the pectoral spines can catch in a net, so handling with a container is preferable.

General diet

Hoplisoma burgessi is an omnivore with a tendency to hunt small organisms and food particles along the bottom. In an aquarium, offer quality sinking tablets, suitable bottom-feeder pellets, and regular frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or mosquito larvae. Food should be distributed when faster tank mates are less likely to outcompete the group. The fish should not be expected to live on leftovers or waste. A varied diet supports body condition, growth, and spawning. Frozen foods and sinking tablets are especially practical, but portions should remain modest to protect water quality.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Guamá
• Local name used: Corydoras burgessi
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus is Hoplisoma; burgessi honors Warren E. Burgess.
• Full-name etymology: Hoplisoma comes from Greek and refers to an armed or armored body; burgessi is dedicated to Warren E. Burgess.
• Common/vernacular names: Corydoras burgessi; Burgess’s cory
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Subfamily: Corydoradinae
• Name pronunciation: hop-li-SO-ma BUR-gue-see
• Discovery: Isaäc J. H. Isbrücker and Han Nijssen, 1983
• Maximum adult size: About 5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 26 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Calm to moderately flowing areas with sandy, detritus-rich bottoms, leaves, roots, submerged branches, and streamside vegetation.
• Typical tank mates: Peaceful small Amazonian tetras, calm dwarf cichlids, pencilfish, small non-territorial loricariids, and other peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.
• Temperament and behavior: Very peaceful and social, active mainly near the bottom; keep in a group.
• Water depth: Shallow to moderately deep sections of the watercourse.
• Sexual dimorphism: Females are usually broader and more robust; males are often smaller and slimmer.
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand, leaves, and plant debris, with low to moderate flow.

In your aquarium

Success with Hoplisoma burgessi begins with an appropriate group, a soft substrate, and stable water. Regular water changes, effective filtration, and good oxygenation are essential, especially for wild-collected specimens. Avoid sharp gravel, aggressive tank mates, and food accumulating on the bottom. A layout with roots, plants, and shaded areas will help the group feel secure. With these foundations and a varied diet, this relatively uncommon cory can become an excellent bottom-dweller for a peaceful Amazonian community aquarium.