
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hoplisoma trilineatum
A small corydoras with dark spots on a pale body, vermiform markings on the head and a dark stripe along the midline. Most fish sold as julii cory in the hobby are this species.
Hoplisoma trilineatum is a small callichthyid catfish from the central Amazon, the Peruvian Amazon and coastal drainages of Suriname, moved out of Corydoras trilineatus in the 2024 generic revision. FishBase records 6.1cm standard length and Seriously Fish gives 55mm. Dark spots are scattered over a pale body with a dark stripe along the midline, and the vermiform markings on the head separate it from the closely related Hoplisoma julii, although some individuals are spotted instead. Ornamental collection is frequent, and most fish sold as julii cory are in fact this species. Aquarium conditions are 22-26C, pH 5.8-7.2 and 1-12dGH, with a 45 x 30cm base and about 41 litres as the practical minimum; FishBase likewise recommends groups of five or more in a tank of at least 60cm. It is peaceful and hardy, and breeds by the usual corydoras method. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Three-lined Corydoras lives 4-7 years.
The Three-lined Corydoras grows to 5.5-6.1cm.
The ideal temperature for the Three-lined Corydoras is 22〜26℃.
Origin
South America (central Amazon, Peruvian Amazon and coastal drainages of Suriname)
Lifespan
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 trilineatum (Cope, 1872)
Synonyms: Corydoras trilineatus
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.
Find listings for this species
4-7 years
Size
5.5-6.1cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex
A 45 x 30cm base, about 41 litres, is the practical minimum and FishBase likewise recommends a tank of at least 60cm. Use fine rounded sand and never block access to the surface.
22-26C, pH 5.8-7.2, 1-12dGH. FishBase records 22-26C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-19dH in the wild.
Peaceful and gregarious, and FishBase recommends keeping five or more. It mixes well with peaceful small and medium-sized fishes.
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. It is readily confused with Hoplisoma julii, and fish labelled julii are usually this species.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Three-lined Corydoras is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Three-lined Corydoras is 4-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Three-lined Corydoras typically reaches 5.5-6.1cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Three-lined Corydoras feeds on: Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Three-lined Corydoras varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026