Tukano Cory
Hoplisoma tukano
Closely related to the 'adolfoi' group, it sports a mask, black dorsal bar and two distinct additional spots. It is a delicate endemic of pristine blackwaters.
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
>= 80 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: Recently discovered species, native to the Rio Tiquié basin, tributary of the Rio Uaupés in Brazil. They populate the so-called "igarapés" and streams of very dark highly acidic water (blackwater), covered by the jungle and saturated with rotting plant accumulations.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Superb dwarf Corydoras (hardly exceeds 4.5 cm / 1.8 inches) described for the first time in 2004. Named in honor of the indigenous Tukano populations. Stocky, compact morphology, of the "short-snouted" group with a round and short snout.
Social Behavior: Due to its modest size, the gregarious spirit is maximized: if exposed to loneliness it enters catalepsy induced by terror. Must coexist in dense colonies (10-15 specimens) offering spectacular exploratory parades on leaves and on the substrate.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The name suggests the wonderful pattern ("tukano"): light base on which stand out 3 powerful blackish geometric saddles (eye mask, immense central saddle down to the belly, caudal saddle). Thin and slender males, very paunchy and prominent females.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Dark, amber water, made impenetrable by the mass presence of peat or mixed botanicals (Catappa). Mandatory the exclusive use of fine sand to safeguard the short barbels, and abundant presence of smooth branched roots acting as a canopy.
Diet and Feeding: Very voracious nocturnal digger but equipped with a small mouth. Adapts to crushed tablets, but never reaches peaks of dazzling form if deprived of the constant addition (3-4 times a week) of daphnia, white worms, and microscopic red larvae (cyclops).
Water Quality: Extremely sensitive and intolerant: the pH must be stabilized on acidic tones (6.0 - 7.0), and the water must have negligible carbonate hardness (GH 2-10). The temperature travels between 22 and 26°C (72-79°F). If nitrates take off or the water loses oxygen, sudden death occurs.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: A jewel for layouts dedicated to "micro-fish". Must be imperatively associated with very small and slow species: Boraras, Ember tetras, Nannostomus, and peaceful Micro-cichlids. Inserting it together with Loaches or large food devourers means condemning it to starvation.
Aquarium Breeding: Extremely stingy in captivity. It is attempted by simulating rainwater with the addition of very cold RO for 3 days in a row. The classic "T" fertilization takes place, followed by the laying of rare and large eggs. Cannibalism forces the removal of the breeders.
Risks and Diseases: Does not forgive thermal shocks and organic pollutants, to which it responds with lethal opacity of the fins. The short snout is subject to destructive atrophy on calcareous or angular bottoms. Never ever insert copper or saline drugs without severely halving the dosage.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Recently discovered species, native to the Rio Tiquié basin, tributary of the Rio Uaupés in Brazil. They populate the so-called "igarapés" and streams of very dark highly acidic water (blackwater), covered by the jungle and saturated with rotting plant accumulations.
Origine
Amérique du Sud hors AmazonieAmérique du Nord
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- This is an incredibly peaceful and timid species that thrives in the company of its own kind. Hoplisoma tukano should be kept in groups of at least six individuals to feel secure and display their natural, endearing behaviors. When kept alone or in too small a group, they can become highly stressed, lethargic, and prone to illness.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- As omnivorous bottom feeders, Hoplisoma tukano requires a varied diet that sinks to the substrate. High-quality sinking pellets or wafers should form the staple of their diet. Supplementing with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia will ensure optimal health and encourage natural foraging behaviors.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-10 years
- Taille adulte
- 4.5 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Specific M:F ratio
- A ratio of two or three males for every female is highly recommended, especially if breeding Hoplisoma tukano is the goal. Males are generally smaller and more slender than the plumper, rounder females. Maintaining a proper sex ratio ensures higher fertilization rates during the spawning process.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- Hoplisoma tukano should be fed small amounts once or twice a day, providing only what they can consume within a few minutes. Because they are nocturnal foragers by nature, dropping some food in just before the aquarium lights go out can be highly beneficial. Avoid overfeeding to maintain excellent water quality.
- Charge biologique
- Low
- This species produces a relatively small bioload, typical of most Hoplisoma tukano species. Their efficient scavenging behavior can actually help keep the substrate clean, reducing the overall accumulation of detritus. Regular water changes and a properly sized filter will easily manage the waste they produce.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- These catfish prefer moderate water flow that provides adequate oxygenation without creating overpowering currents. A setup that mimics a slow-moving South American stream is ideal for Hoplisoma tukano. Ensure there are calmer resting areas where they can settle on the substrate without expending too much energy.
- Risque de saut
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Hoplisoma tukano in captivity can be achieved by simulating the onset of the rainy season with cooler water changes. The female will carry a few eggs in a pouch formed by her pelvic fins and deposit them on broad leaves or the aquarium glass. The parents exhibit no parental care and will eagerly consume the eggs if not separated.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- Hoplisoma tukano is a peaceful and highly sociable schooling fish that makes an excellent addition to community aquariums. They do best when kept with other small, non-aggressive species such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. It is crucial to avoid housing them with large or aggressive bottom-dwellers that might outcompete them for food or stress them out.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Bottom
- Like other Corydoras, Hoplisoma tukano are quintessential bottom dwellers, spending almost all of their time sifting through the substrate in search of food. They require a soft, sandy bottom to prevent damage to their sensitive barbels. Occasionally, they will make quick dashes to the surface to take in atmospheric air, a completely normal behavior.
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 = 0.01778, b = 3.02
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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