Black Diamond Corydoras CW49

CW049 is sold as the Black Diamond Corydoras and has a dark, high-contrast body with pale spotting or reticulation that can give a diamond-like effect. It remains an undescribed trade-code form, so appearance and identity should be tied to verified CW049 stock.

Identify this profile by the combination of a cream body with a black eye mask and a large diamond-shaped black saddle extending toward the dorsal fin. Older sources commonly list this fish as Corydoras sp. CW49; the current profile follows the accepted or revised placement Hoplisoma sp. CW049. The code CW049 should remain attached to the name until the population is formally described and unambiguously assigned. 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.

Reliable external sex differences have not been well documented for this form. Mature females are likely to become broader through the abdomen than males, as in related Corydoradinae, but juveniles and unconditioned adults should not be sexed by colour alone.

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, 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.

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.