
Fairy Corydoras
Hoplisoma atropersonatum
- Care level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 3.5–5 cm
- Minimum tank
- 60 litres
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Species profile
Hoplisoma eversi
Common names: Eversi Corydoras, Evers' Cory

Eversi Corydoras is a peaceful South American callichthyid catfish recognised by a pale body with a dark eye mask and saddle, often separated by a bright orange-gold nape area. It should be kept in a same-species group over fine sand in clean, oxygen-rich freshwater.
A compact cory with a pale golden to beige body covered in dense dark spotting and mottling, often with warm orange tones in the fins. The pattern can look like scattered guaraná seeds, which is reflected in its common trade name.
Identify this profile by the combination of a pale body with a dark eye mask and saddle, often separated by a bright orange-gold nape area. Older sources commonly list this fish as Corydoras eversi; the current profile follows the accepted or revised placement Hoplisoma eversi. Colour alone can be unreliable in stressed, juvenile, or poorly conditioned fish, so body shape, snout length, fin pattern, and provenance should also be checked.
Mature females are usually larger and broader through the abdomen, especially when viewed from above, while males tend to remain slimmer. Juveniles are difficult to sex, and body shape is more dependable than fin shape or colour.
Keep a settled group over fine sand in a mature aquarium with excellent filtration, high oxygen levels, shaded retreats and open feeding areas. Avoid abrupt changes, dirty substrate and sharp gravel, and leave clear access to the surface for normal air-gulping behaviour.
A peaceful shoaling catfish that may remain reserved in a small group or brightly lit, exposed tank. Once settled with enough companions and cover, it becomes an active bottom forager and joins regular group movements.
Keep at least 6 of the same species or coded population, with 8 or more preferred where space permits. A mixed collection of single corys does not fully replace a proper same-species group.
It is not territorial. Males may briefly chase one another or follow females during courtship, but sustained aggression is unusual when the group has adequate floor space.
Choose calm, non-aggressive tank mates that tolerate the same clean, oxygen-rich conditions and allow food to reach the bottom. Avoid boisterous cichlids, large predators and fast bottom feeders that can intimidate or outcompete the group.
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Xilong XL-803D canister filter – up to 100 LAn external-filter option for the moderate-flow setup described above. The seller lists a 400 L/h pump and an aquarium capacity of up to 100 litres.
Check the volume of your actual aquarium and the needs of its complete stocking. Use the flow control or spray bar to avoid a concentrated current. A larger tank or a species requiring strong river flow needs a different filter selection.
Cut-to-fit aquarium filter media padA cut-to-fit pad for compatible filter compartments. The listing describes a sheet approximately 16 by 12 inches; check the offered variant and the space inside your filter.
The seller description varies between five and eight layers, so confirm the actual sheet before ordering. Keep the filter manufacturer’s media arrangement and avoid obstructing the flow.
Xinyou ceramic filter rings – 300 gA biological-media option for a filter with a suitable media basket. This listing is a 300 g pack of ceramic rings.
Check the ring size and available basket space. Installing new media does not make a new aquarium instantly cycled, and these rings do not replace routine water-quality checks.
Soft, mildly acidic water best reflects the natural habitat and usually gives the most reliable breeding results. Stable clean water is more important than forcing an exact pH.
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Manual aquarium siphon and gravel cleanerA manual siphon for routine aquarium water changes and accessible waste removal. The seller lists a hose approximately 1.6 m long.
Control the flow and keep the intake clear of fish and delicate planting. Clean the areas appropriate for your substrate and layout rather than disturbing the entire planted bed.
Feed a varied sinking diet based on quality catfish pellets or wafers, supported by small frozen or live foods and occasional plant-based ingredients. Deliver food directly to the group and check that every fish eats instead of expecting it to survive on scraps.
Feed after faster surface and midwater fish have taken their share, and confirm that every individual reaches food. Use small portions once or twice daily, remove persistent leftovers, and vary prepared and frozen or live foods.
Detailed aquarium breeding records are limited. It is expected to use the usual Corydoradinae T-position and attach adhesive eggs to firm surfaces, but triggers, egg output and fry requirements should not be presented as reliably established for this species.
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