Hoplisoma duplicareus, historically known as Corydoras duplicareus, is a bottom-dwelling fish much loved by aquarists for its similar appearance to the famous Corydoras adolfoi, but with a wider black stripe and a more intense orange zone. It is a peaceful, sociable and active Corydoras, ideal for small to medium-sized planted tanks.

Behaviour & maintenance

This corydoras is :

• Gregarious: best kept in groups of at least 6 to 10 individuals.
• Very peaceful, perfect for community tanks
• Anactive forager, exploring the bottom in search of food

Feeding

Benthic omnivore:

• Sinking pellets and granules for groundfish
• Bloodworms, micro worms, daphnia, artemia
• Plant supplements: poached courgette, spinach, etc.

Water quality

• Temperature: 22 - 27°C
• pH: 6.0 - 7.2
• GH: 2 - 10 °dGH
• KH: 1 - 5 °KH
• Conductivity: 50 - 200 µS

Prefers soft, slightly acidic, well-oxygenated water with regular water changes. Avoid high nitrates and abrasive substrates.

Decor & environment

Recommendations:

• Fine, non-cutting sand
• Low natural plants, roots and hiding places
• Moderate to subdued lighting for natural behaviour

Maintenance sheet

Aquabota tip

To distinguish H. duplicareus from H. adolfoi, observe the thickness of the black dorsal stripe and the brighter orange hue on the head. A well-maintained group displays very interesting social interactions!