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Hoplisoma sp. CW-217, also known as Rio Tomo Concolor Cory, is a small South American catfish in the family Callichthyidae. Listed under the CW-217 code, it is recognized by its relatively uniform coloration and the schooling behavior typical of Corydoras. This form remains very rare in the aquarium hobby. The specimens offered are wild-collected and are available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada. Like other armored catfish, it actively explores the bottom, appreciates fine sand and should be kept in a group in clean, stable, well-oxygenated water.

General species description

Hoplisoma sp. CW-217 is an undescribed form from the group formerly associated with Corydoras concolor, now placed in the genus Hoplisoma. The CW-217 code identifies this population in the aquarium trade. It is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish, most active along the substrate, alternating between searching for food and making quick trips to the surface. A group of at least six individuals encourages natural behavior and reduces the shyness often seen in solitary specimens. Its rarity and wild origin make it best suited to aquarists who pay close attention to water quality and acclimation.

Geographic origin and habitat

Reference country: Colombia. The trade name indicates an origin associated with the Rio Tomo, in the Orinoco basin. Its habitat consists of a tropical stream with generally quiet to moderately flowing areas, soft water and a yielding bottom suitable for searching for small prey. In an aquarium, efficient filtration, moderate circulation and strong oxygenation reproduce these conditions better than a heavily mineralized setup. Roots, leaf litter and some plants provide shaded areas while leaving open space for bottom foraging.

Precise locality and local name

This form is associated with the Rio Tomo in Colombia, and its trade name is Rio Tomo Concolor Cory. The CW-217 code helps distinguish this population from other concolor forms sold under similar names. To preserve its identity, fish from the same locality should preferably be kept separate from other Corydoras or Hoplisoma populations, especially in a breeding program. This approach limits mixing between localities and preserves documentary value in aquarium-raised generations.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is short, deep and covered with bony plates, with the typical shape of a Corydoras. Overall coloration is uniform, grayish brown to silvery, without a dominant contrasting pattern; the fins may appear slightly darker. The lower mouth bears sensory barbels used to examine the substrate. As with other armored catfish, the pectoral spines can cause a sting and become caught in a net. A fine, smooth sand substrate protects the barbels and allows natural feeding behavior.

General diet

Hoplisoma sp. CW-217 is an omnivore that searches the bottom for small organisms. Its diet should combine quality sinking wafers, suitable bottom-feeding pellets and frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brine shrimp or bloodworms. Feedings should be offered as the lights dim so the group can eat without excessive competition. A varied diet supports the condition of wild-collected fish, but it cannot replace stable water quality. Make sure every fish receives food rather than relying on leftovers from other tankmates.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Tomo
• Local name used: Rio Tomo Concolor Cory
• Origin of the scientific name: Hoplisoma is the current genus; sp. indicates an undescribed species in this trade designation, and CW-217 is an identification code.
• Etymology of the full name: Hoplisoma identifies the genus; sp. means species; CW-217 is a working code; Rio Tomo indicates the locality; Concolor means uniformly colored.
• Common/vernacular names: Rio Tomo Concolor Cory
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Subfamily: Corydoradinae
• Name pronunciation: hop-li-SO-mah - see double-you two one seven
• Maximum adult size: approximately 5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 26 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: tropical stream with quiet to moderately flowing areas, soft substrate, roots, leaf litter and riparian vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Hoplisoma concolor, small peaceful characins, small pencilfish, calm dwarf cichlids, appropriately sized shrimp and non-predatory snails.
• Temperament and behavior: peaceful, social, bottom-oriented and actively foraging.
• Water depth: shallow to intermediate stream areas.
• Sexual dimorphism: females are generally broader and more robust; the difference is easier to see in mature fish viewed from above.
• Bottom structure and flow: fine sand or very smooth gravel, leaves and roots; low to moderate flow with good oxygenation.

In your aquarium

To succeed with Hoplisoma sp. CW-217, provide a mature aquarium, a social group and a substrate without sharp edges. Wild specimens should be acclimated gradually and watched carefully during the first weeks. Efficient filtration, regular water changes and a varied sinking diet are essential. Avoid aggressive or oversized tankmates that could intimidate them. Because this is a very rare form, keeping fish from the same locality together and encouraging controlled breeding helps preserve the value of this population in captivity.