Flag Tailed Panda Corydoras

A pale cory with a bold dark eye mask, a dark dorsal patch and a strongly banded or chequered tail that gives the species its flag-tailed appearance. The body may carry additional scattered dark markings.

Identify this profile by the combination of a panda-like eye mask and dorsal mark combined with a conspicuous dark bar or flag pattern at the tail base. Older sources commonly list this fish as Corydoras oiapoquensis; the current profile follows the accepted or revised placement Hoplisoma oiapoquensis. 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 proper group over smooth sand, with open foraging space, shaded cover, roots or plants and clean, well-oxygenated water. Leave unobstructed access to the surface because these catfish periodically gulp air, and avoid sharp gravel that can damage the mouth and barbels.

A peaceful but active social catfish that benefits from a broad floor and a substantial group. It spends long periods probing the substrate and may be more vigorous at feeding than smaller, round-snouted corys.

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.

Best with peaceful small or medium community fish that do not monopolise food. Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, large predatory fish and very competitive bottom feeders; eggs, fry and tiny shrimp may still be eaten opportunistically.

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.

Captive spawning is reported less often than for common corys. A well-conditioned group, excellent water quality and seasonal-style changes may help, but egg production and fry survival can be inconsistent; the adults do not provide parental care.