Araguaia Corydoras

A small, lightly built cory with a pale body covered in fine dark speckling and mottling, often concentrated along the back and flanks. The pattern is subtle rather than sharply banded and can vary with mood and substrate.

Identify this profile by the combination of a cream body covered with small dark spots and a compact rounded-snouted profile. Older sources commonly list this fish as Corydoras araguaiaensis; the current profile follows the accepted or revised placement Hoplisoma araguaiaense. 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.

Soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water is suitable. Provide good oxygenation and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.

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.