Gray Cory
Hoplisoma griseum
A refined, compact species presenting a sleek uniform silver-gray coat intersected by a striking oblique black mask. It favors deeply shaded, tannin-rich blackwater biotope tanks.
Wassertemperatur
22 - 26 °C
pH-Wert
6 - 7.2
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten
Erwachsenengröße
5 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 80 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
2 - 10 dKH
TDS
50 - 280 ppm
Leitfähigkeit
78 - 438 uS/cm
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Originating from northeastern South America, specifically endemic to Guyana and Suriname (Corantijn River basin). Inhabits shaded tropical streams, small watercourses with clear water and dense leaf cover on the ground.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the Callichthyidae family. It is a Corydoras of moderate size, with females reaching a maximum of 5 cm (2 inches). The snout is short and typical, and it features standard lateral armor; phenotypically it is one of the most "sober" and minimalist species of the genus.
Social Behavior: Of a strictly peaceful nature, it is a bottom dweller that depends on group life. Purchasing a school of at least 6, but ideally 10 individuals, will guarantee observing them frantically scanning the sand during the evening hours.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: "Minimalist" livery: the name griseus alludes to its uniform pale silvery-gray color (almost smoke-colored). Distinguished by a very obvious characteristic black spot/mask over the eyes and sometimes a faded dark spot at the dorsal base. Females always taller and rounder.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Imperative to provide soft, non-abrasive sand. They appreciate layouts with branches and roots (driftwood) that break the line of sight, in an environment shielded by floating vegetation (Limnobium) to muffle bright lights that would frighten them.
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predatory detritivore. Daily rations must include specific quality bottom granules, not just vegetable leftovers from other fish. Their diet and vitality are boosted by the weekly administration of bloodworms, tubifex, and daphnia.
Water Quality: Requires soft Guianan waters. Ideal temperature between 22 and 26°C (72-79°F). The pH should be acidic or neutral (6.0 - 7.2) and the hardness should not exceed GH 12. Suffers enormously from conditions of ammonia, nitrites, or bottoms with rotting accumulations.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal companion for general and harmless Guianan or Amazonian biotopes. Excellent alongside Tetras, small Loricariids (Otocinclus, small Ancistrus) or dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma). Totally unsuitable for aquariums with carp or turbulent loaches.
Aquarium Breeding: Occurs according to the pattern of the genus: induced by reproducing cold monsoon drops. During T-mating, the large clear adhesive eggs are "glued" to the plants or glass in high-current areas. Separation indispensable to not see them devoured.
Risks and Diseases: Do not expose the animal to gravel or crushed quartz bottoms: it would lose the use of its barbels, meeting a rapid death from malnutrition. Vulnerable to Copper-based treatments. Avoid high thermal stress.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Originating from northeastern South America, specifically endemic to Guyana and Suriname (Corantijn River basin). Inhabits shaded tropical streams, small watercourses with clear water and dense leaf cover on the ground.
Ursprung
Amazonas, Orinoco und Guayana
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Hoplisoma griseum is incredibly peaceful, sociable, and somewhat shy when kept individually. They are an obligate schooling fish that absolutely requires the company of their own kind to feel secure and behave naturally. When kept in groups of at least six, they become active and highly entertaining as they constantly interact with one another. If kept alone or in inadequate numbers, they will likely become stressed, reclusive, and more susceptible to disease. They show zero aggression towards other tank inhabitants and are a model citizen for any peaceful community aquarium.
- Diät
- Omnivore
- In the wild, Hoplisoma griseum is a micro-predator and scavenger, feeding on tiny worms, crustaceans, and plant matter. In the home aquarium, they readily accept a wide variety of sinking foods such as high-quality pellets, wafers, and granules. It is essential to supplement their diet with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, Daphnia, and brine shrimp to ensure optimal health and coloration. Because they are bottom feeders, you must ensure that enough food reaches the substrate before being consumed by mid-water fish. A varied diet prevents nutritional deficiencies and promotes a robust immune system.
- Lebenserwartung
- 8-10 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 5 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- Group
- For Hoplisoma griseum, maintaining a specific strict sex ratio is not strictly necessary for general community keeping, as they do not exhibit aggressive territorial behavior towards each other. However, if breeding is the primary goal, a ratio of two or three males for every single female is strongly recommended. This higher male-to-female ratio encourages competitive courtship and generally results in a higher fertilization rate for the eggs. In a standard display tank, simply ensuring they are in a suitably sized group of six or more individuals is more important than the exact gender makeup. Females are typically noticeably rounder and broader when viewed from above, especially when full of eggs.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- It is highly recommended to feed Hoplisoma griseum small portions one to two times a day. They have relatively small stomachs, so multiple small meals are much better than a single large one. Observe their feeding behavior carefully; all offered food should be consumed within roughly two to three minutes. If there is uneaten food left on the substrate, reduce the portion size during the next feeding. Foraging is a natural behavior, so spreading the food slightly can encourage natural scavenging activity.
- Bioload
- Low
- The bioload of Hoplisoma griseum is generally considered to be quite low compared to larger freshwater fish. They are small, efficient scavengers that do not produce excessive amounts of waste in the aquarium. However, because they must be kept in groups of at least six, the cumulative bioload should be factored into your filtration capacity. Regular water changes and good mechanical filtration are still necessary to maintain optimal water quality. Overfeeding can quickly spike ammonia, so moderation is key.
- Fluss
- Stagnant
- As a species that often inhabits slow-moving to moderately flowing streams in South America, Hoplisoma griseum appreciates gentle to moderate water circulation. They do not fare well in highly turbulent environments where they must constantly struggle against strong currents. Providing areas of calmer water, especially near the bottom where they spend most of their time, is important for their rest. The filter return should provide adequate oxygenation without turning the tank into a whirlpool. Natural river stones and driftwood can be used to break the flow and create comfortable resting zones.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- The jump risk for Hoplisoma griseum is generally considered to be quite low under normal, stress-free aquarium conditions. They are primarily bottom-dwelling fish that focus their activities on foraging in the substrate. However, like many Corydoras, they will occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air, a completely normal behavior linked to their specialized intestinal respiratory system. If water parameters deteriorate or if they are severely startled, they might accidentally launch themselves out of an open tank. Therefore, a well-fitting lid is still highly recommended to prevent any unfortunate accidents.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding Hoplisoma griseum in captivity is entirely possible but requires some dedicated preparation and conditioning. They are egg scatterers, typically laying their adhesive eggs on broad plant leaves, aquarium glass, or smooth stones after a lively courtship display. To trigger spawning, aquarists often perform a large, slightly cooler water change to simulate the onset of the rainy season in their natural habitat. Once eggs are laid, the parents may eat them, so it is often necessary to remove the eggs or the adult fish to a separate rearing tank. The fry are quite small and require infusoria or finely powdered foods before graduating to freshly hatched brine shrimp.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Community
- Hoplisoma griseum is an extremely peaceful community fish that thrives in the company of other calm species. They should never be housed with large, aggressive, or highly active bottom-dwellers that might outcompete them for food or nip at their fins. Ideal tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and other similarly sized peaceful fish. Keeping them with small freshwater shrimp is usually safe, though tiny shrimplets might occasionally be eaten. Their peaceful nature makes them an excellent addition to almost any tranquil community setup.
- Tankfüllstand
- Bottom
- Like the vast majority of its relatives, Hoplisoma griseum is a dedicated bottom-dwelling fish that spends most of its time resting or foraging on the substrate. They use their sensitive barbels to constantly sift through sand or fine gravel in search of edible morsels. Providing a soft, sandy substrate is crucial to prevent their delicate barbels from wearing down or becoming infected. While they do occasionally dart to the water surface to gulp air, they will immediately return to the lower levels of the tank. Ensure there is plenty of open swimming space along the bottom alongside shaded resting areas under plants or driftwood.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 3 ± 0,4 se
- Belastbarkeit
- Hoch (weniger als 15 Monate)
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.00741, b = 3.14
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (10 / 100)
Verwandte Arten
Empfehlungen gruppiert nach nahen Verwandten, Auswahl von Begleitern und ähnlicher Betreuung.
