
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hoplisoma leucomelas
A medium-sized corydoras with a black mask through the eye and a bold black blotch in the dorsal fin. Fine scattered spots cover the flanks. It is hardy, strongly gregarious and straightforward to keep long term given a 90cm footprint.
Hoplisoma leucomelas is a callichthyid catfish of the upper Amazon basin, moved from Corydoras leucomelas in the 2024 generic revision. FishBase gives a standard length of 4.5cm and Seriously Fish 5.5cm, a medium size for the group. A vertical black mask through the eye and a large black blotch on the leading edge of the dorsal fin identify it, with fine spotting over the flanks. The English name False Spotted reflects confusion with the similar Corydoras punctatus. Aquarium temperature is 22-26C and a 90 x 30cm base of roughly 81 litres is the practical minimum. FishBase wild values of pH 6.0-8.0 and 2-25dH serve as the guide. It is peaceful and strongly gregarious, best kept in groups of at least 4-6. Breeding follows the usual corydoras pattern of two or more males per female with a large cool water change as the trigger; eggs hatch in 3-4 days. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The False Spotted Corydoras lives 3-6 years.
The False Spotted Corydoras grows to 4.5-5.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the False Spotted Corydoras is 22〜26℃.
Origin
South America (upper Amazon River basin)
Lifespan
3-6 years
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Hoplisoma leucomelas (Eigenmann & Allen, 1942)
Synonyms: Corydoras leucomelas
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
4.5-5.5cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex
A 90 x 30cm base of about 81 litres is the minimum. Use fine rounded sand and provide driftwood or plants as cover.
22-26C. Use the FishBase wild range of pH 6.0-8.0 and 2-25dH as a guide.
Peaceful and gregarious; keep at least 4-6. It mixes well with similarly sized peaceful species.
A foraging omnivore. Feed sinking dried food plus frozen bloodworm and Tubifex, varying the diet.
Two or more males per female. After the females fill with eggs, carry out a 50-70 percent change with cooler water. Eggs go on glass, fine-leaved plants or mops and hatch in 3-4 days; fry need excellent water quality.
Dirty substrate erodes the barbels, so clean the bottom regularly. IUCN status is Least Concern.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for False Spotted Corydoras is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of False Spotted Corydoras is 3-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
False Spotted Corydoras typically reaches 4.5-5.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
False Spotted Corydoras feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of False Spotted Corydoras varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026