Loreto Hoplisoma

Remarks: Loreto Hoplisoma are pale, if not somewhat translucent, in color with small black spots over their entire bodies. They have very pronounced dorsal fins, especially in males, that extend high and more than double their body height and a short, rounded snout giving them a very unique shape. This pattern combined with the high dorsal fin has led to some calling them the "poor man's vulcan Hoplisoma" after the much rarer and more expensive species. They are a notably small species so they are a good choice for smaller size South American community tanks.

  The Loreto Hoplisoma was previously classified as Corydoras loretoensis, but was reclassified as Hoplisoma loretoensis 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.