Pink Corydoras (Axelrod's Cory)
Hoplisoma axelrodi
A small and timid Colombian Corydoras. It is distinguished by its pinkish base coloration and the thick, unbroken black band that runs along its lower flank.
Température de l’eau
22 - 26 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.2
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond
Taille adulte
4,5 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 60 L
Groupe minimal
6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Conductivité
63 - 375 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Meta River basin in Colombia. Prefers small lowland tributaries and slow-flowing streams, soft sandy bottoms and riparian vegetation.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Pink Corydoras (Hoplisoma axelrodi). One of the most minute species, characterized by a rather stocky snout profile. The species is named after Herbert R. Axelrod.
Social Behavior: Gregarious and very sociable fish. Tends to stay compact in the group during movements on the bottom. Single keeping is absolutely forbidden, requires schools of at least 6 specimens.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light livery (pinkish or light beige) with a conspicuous black lateral stripe that widens towards the operculum, and a black spot on the dorsal fin. Females are significantly rounder and more massive in the abdominal area.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: 60 cm (24 inches) tank. Substrate of fine sand only. Create shaded areas with roots or meanders of rounded stones, to allow the school to rest away from intense light.
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. Readily accepts sinking pellets for bottom fish and highly appreciates tubifex, bloodworms and brine shrimp, both frozen and live, while rummaging through debris.
Water Quality: Does not have extreme requirements for pH, tolerating neutral water well, but suffers greatly from nitrogenous compounds (ammonia, nitrites, high nitrates).
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent for peaceful community tanks. Cohabits peacefully with small Characins (Neons, Cardinals), rasboras and other calm catfish.
Aquarium Breeding: The female glues eggs that are very large in relation to her size on glass or vegetation (up to 60 eggs). The temperature drop induced by water changes is the reproductive trigger.
Risks and Diseases: Susceptible to barbel wear caused by unsuitable bottoms, and systemic bacterial infections if nitrates exceed 30 ppm.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Meta River basin in Colombia. Prefers small lowland tributaries and slow-flowing streams, soft sandy bottoms and riparian vegetation.
Origine
Amérique du Sud hors Amazonie
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- Hoplisoma axelrodi are peaceful, social schooling fish that thrive when kept in groups. Keeping them in numbers of at least six individuals greatly reduces their stress and promotes natural behaviors. They are completely harmless to plants and other tank inhabitants.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- These are omnivorous bottom feeders that require a varied diet to thrive. Their meals should include high-quality sinking pellets, wafers, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms. A balanced diet ensures proper growth and vibrant coloration for Hoplisoma axelrodi.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-8 years
- Taille adulte
- 4.5 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Specific M:F ratio
- Maintaining a ratio of two or three males for every female is ideal for breeding purposes. This ratio encourages natural spawning behaviors and increases the chances of successful fertilization. In non-breeding community tanks, the exact ratio for Hoplisoma axelrodi is less critical.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- They should be fed small amounts once or twice a day. It is important to provide only what Hoplisoma axelrodi can consume within a few minutes to prevent water fouling. Occasional fasting days can also be beneficial for their digestive health.
- Charge biologique
- Low
- The Hoplisoma axelrodi has a relatively low bioload compared to many other species of similar size. They are efficient scavengers that help keep the substrate clean, which slightly offsets their waste production. However, adequate biological and mechanical filtration is still necessary to maintain optimal water quality in the aquarium.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- They prefer moderate water movement that simulates their natural riverine habitats. A gentle current provides necessary oxygenation without exhausting the fish. Avoid overly strong flow that could sweep Hoplisoma axelrodi away or cause stress.
- Risque de saut
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Hoplisoma axelrodi in captivity is possible but requires specific water conditions and conditioning. They are egg layers that typically deposit their adhesive eggs on broad leaves or the aquarium glass. Parents may eat the eggs, so it is often best to raise the fry in a separate tank.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- They are incredibly peaceful and make excellent additions to community aquariums. Hoplisoma axelrodi gets along well with most other peaceful, similarly sized fish. Aggressive or large tank mates should be avoided as they may intimidate or harm them.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Bottom
- They are obligate bottom dwellers that spend the majority of their time on the substrate. Hoplisoma axelrodi constantly rummage through sand or smooth gravel in search of food. Very rarely will they be seen swimming in the middle or upper levels of the water column.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.00741, b = 3.14
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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