
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hoplisoma melini
A small corydoras with a black mask over the eye and a dark oblique bar running back along the body. The bar splits in two above the caudal peduncle.
Hoplisoma melini is a small callichthyid catfish from the upper Rio Negro and Meta River basins, moved out of Corydoras melini in the 2024 generic revision. FishBase records 5.0cm standard length and Seriously Fish gives 50mm, in close agreement. It has a black mask over the eye and a dark oblique bar running back along the body, and that bar splits in two above the caudal peduncle. Several Rio Negro congeners share the oblique bar, but only this species and Hoplisoma davidsandsi have the split; it differs from the latter in lacking a pale orange area between the head stripe and the dorsal bar and in carrying additional dark markings on the flanks. Aquarium conditions are 20-26C, pH 4.0-7.0 and 1-5dGH, so soft, acidic water is needed, with an 80 x 30cm base of about 72 litres. It is peaceful and strongly gregarious and should be kept in groups of at least four to six. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Bandit Corydoras lives 3-5 years.
The Bandit Corydoras grows to About 5cm.
The ideal temperature for the Bandit Corydoras is 20〜26℃.
Origin
South America (upper Rio Negro and Meta River basins)
Lifespan
3-5 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 melini (Lönnberg & Rendahl, 1930)
Synonyms: Corydoras melini
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
About 5cm
Temperature
20〜26℃
Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex
An 80 x 30cm base, about 72 litres, is the guide. Use fine rounded sand with wood and leaf litter for cover, and never block access to the water surface.
20-26C, pH 4.0-7.0, 1-5dGH; soft, acidic water is preferred. FishBase records 22-26C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 2-25dH in the wild.
Peaceful and gregarious; keep at least four to six. Pair it with fishes of similar water requirements, such as soft-water characins.
A foraging omnivore. Offer sinking dried food plus frozen bloodworm and Tubifex. It must never be expected to live on leftovers or to clean the tank.
Use two males per female. Once females are gravid, make a 50-70 percent water change with cooler water and raise oxygenation and flow. Eggs are laid on glass, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
Assessed Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Several congeners share the oblique bar, and it is most easily confused with Hoplisoma davidsandsi.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Bandit Corydoras is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Bandit Corydoras is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Bandit Corydoras typically reaches About 5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Bandit Corydoras feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Bandit Corydoras varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026