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

Schooling reduces stress and encourages natural behaviour.

Feeding

Benthic omnivore:

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

Choose a varied diet to ensure growth and longevity.

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

It cohabits perfectly with other small, calm fish: tetras, rasboras, dwarf apistos.

Maintenance sheet

Scientific name	Hoplisoma duplicareus
Common synonym	Corydoras duplicareus
Adult size	4.5 to 5 cm
Origin	Brazil (Rio Negro, Amazon basin)
Temperature	22 - 27 °C
pH	6.0 - 7.2
GH	2 - 10 °dGH
KH	1 - 5 °KH
Conductivity	50 - 200 µS
Life expectancy	5 - 8 years
Behaviour	Regular, peaceful, foraging
Living zone	Bottom
Minimum volume	60 L (group of 6-8)
Diet	Benthic omnivore

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!