Spotted Highfin Hoplisoma

Remarks: The spotted highfin Hoplisoma is native to the Rio Orinoco and Rio Meta. They are very similar in appearance to Hoplisoma melanistium and Brochis delphax with all three displaying a tan or gray body, a dark blotch on the "shoulder" that extends into the anterior half of the dorsal fin, a peppering of black speckles throughout the body, and a black "mask" across their eyes. What sets the spotted highfin Hoplisoma apart are the dark, broken vertical stripes in the caudal fin and its fairly short and round snout which is where its species name, brevirostris, comes from as it roughly translates to "short snout." 

  Spotted highfin Hoplisoma were previously classified as Corydoras brevirostris, but were reclassified as Hoplisoma brevirostris upon publication of a phylogenomic analysis in 2024 that reclassified many species in the Corydoradinae subfamily.

  Corydoradinae are small, peaceful catfish that are active shoalers and will stay near conspecifics, making for a lovely sight. They feed by searching through sand with their barbels, making such a substrate necessary for their long-term health. Gravel substrates tend to be abrasive and damage the barbels, leading to infections and an inability to find food.

  While these friendly catfish are willing to swim with other species of Corydoradinae different from their own, this does not provide the same social need as being kept with members of their own species. Because of this, it is highly recommended to keep at least six of each species of Corydoradinae present in the aquarium and only mix species if one has the space to keep at least six of each.

  Corydoradinae are often looked at as "scavengers," but they should be treated in a similar fashion as the rest of your fish. They are omnivores and require a mixed diet. Sinking prepared foods are readily accepted, as are frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, blackworms, and bloodworms.