How difficult is it to keep Masked Corydoras?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Masked Corydoras?

The ideal temperature for Masked Corydoras is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Masked Corydoras?

The average lifespan of Masked Corydoras is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Masked Corydoras get?

Masked Corydoras typically reaches 4.8-5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Masked Corydoras?

Masked Corydoras feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Masked Corydoras?

The price of Masked Corydoras varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Masked Corydoras

Beginner

Hoplisoma metae

A small corydoras with a black mask over the eye and a dark oblique bar that ends at the caudal-fin base without extending onto the fin or splitting in two.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

20〜26℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

4.8-5cm

Diet

Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex

About

Hoplisoma metae is a small callichthyid catfish confined to the Meta River basin in Colombia, moved out of Corydoras metae in the 2024 generic revision. FishBase records 4.8cm 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 from the dorsal surface. The bar terminates at the caudal-fin base without extending onto the fin and does not split above the caudal peduncle, and there are no additional dark markings on the body; these features separate it from similar congeners. Aquarium conditions are 20-26C, pH 6.0-7.5 and 5-12dGH, 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 Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v), reflecting its restricted range together with continuing decline in habitat and in the number of mature individuals.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Masked Corydoras

The Masked Corydoras lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Masked Corydoras

The Masked Corydoras grows to 4.8-5cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Masked Corydoras

The ideal temperature for the Masked Corydoras is 20〜26℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (Meta River basin, Colombia)

Lifespan

3-5 years

Care Specifications

pH: 6–7.5
Hardness (GH): 5–12 dGH
Water Temp.: 20–26℃
Min. Tank: 72 L

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Moderate

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish

References & Sources

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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Hoplisoma metae (Eigenmann, 1914)

Synonyms: Corydoras metae

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN VU · Vulnerable

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.