Hoplisoma trilineatum, still widely known by its former name Corydoras trilineatus, is a bottom-dwelling catfish much loved for its finely reticulated pattern and dark line running down its body. Peaceful, gregarious and active on the ground, it is perfectly suited to calm community aquariums with a fine substrate and well-maintained water.

Origin & habitat

Native toSouth America, Hoplisoma trilineatum mainly comes from the Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru, Colombia). It is found in rivers with slow to moderate currents, backwaters and flooded areas. It is mainly found on sandy-muddy bottoms covered with dead leaves, roots and aquatic vegetation, in water that is generally fresh, slightly acidic to neutral and well oxygenated.

Description & sexual dimorphism

• Adult size: 5-6 cm
• Lifespan: 5 to 8 years in good conditions
• Body: typical of corydoras, stocky, short head, inferior mouth with sensitive barbels.
• Colouring: cream to beige background with dark reticulated pattern and a more pronounced black line along the flank
• Fins: translucent, sometimes finely dotted or marbled

Sexual dimorphism is similar to other corydoras: adult females are larger and more rounded when viewed from above, while males are slightly smaller and more slender.

Recommended water parameters

• Temperature: 22-26°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 °dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Water quality: zero nitrites, low nitrates, clean, well-oxygenated water

Like all corydoras, Hoplisoma trilineatum is sensitive to pollution and peaks in nitrogen waste. Regular water changes (20-30% per week) and effective filtration are essential for its well-being.

Aquarium maintenance

• Minimum recommended volume: 100 litres or more, with a good bottom surface.
• Substrate: fine, non-sharp sand (such as Loire sand) to protect their barbels.
• Decor: roots, branches, dead leaves, smooth stones, low plants and shaded areas
• Filtration: effective, with a moderate current and no violent turbulence at the bottom
• Lighting: moderate, ideally subdued by floating plants

Avoid angular or sharp gravel that wears down barbels and encourages infection. Leave large areas of loose sand so that they can constantly explore the substrate.

Behaviour and cohabitation

Hoplisoma trilineatum is a gregarious and very peaceful fish. It should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals, ideally more, to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.

• Character: calm, sociable, non-aggressive.
• Habitat: bottom of tank, sometimes lower third.
• Ideal mates: small characids, rasboras, calm viviparous fish, other corydoras, small peaceful loricarids, calm dwarf cichlids.
• Avoid: large cichlids, aggressive or very restless fish, bottom predators.

As a group, they bring a great deal of life to the bottom of the tank, alternating between foraging in the substrate, moving around in small groups and resting together on the roots or leaves.

Diet

An omnivore with micropredator tendencies, Hoplisoma trilineatum feeds mainly on the ground:

• Bottom-feeding pellets: good quality tablets and sinking granules for bottom-feeding fish.
• Frozen/live: artemia, daphnia, mud worms (in moderation), various larvae, very popular.
• Supplements: small portions of finely poached vegetables (courgette, cucumber) on an occasional basis.

They should not be considered as simple 'cleaners': it is essential to feed the bottom specifically, especially when fast-moving open-water fish are present.

Reproduction in aquariums

Reproduction of Hoplisoma trilineatum is similar to that of other corydoras and is accessible to the motivated aquarist. It is a substrate-layer that adopts the classic T-shaped behaviour when laying eggs.

• Breeding tank: small, dedicated tank with fine sand, plants and/or spawning mops.
• Trigger: cooler water changes simulating the rainy season, diet rich in live/frozen food.
• The female glues the eggs to windows, plants or decor; the adults may eat them.
• It is advisable to remove the parents or move the eggs to a rearing tank.
• The fry feed on infusoria, then on freshly hatched artemia nauplia.

Aquabota advice

• Keep a large group to ensure that the fish are less stressed and more active.
• Use very fine sand to preserve their barbels and encourage their natural foraging behaviour.
• Keep the water clean, well oxygenated, with low nitrate levels and stable parameters.
• Feed specifically to the bottom, especially if the tank contains live fish in open water.

Quick facts

• Zoological Name: Hoplisoma trilineatum (syn. Corydoras trilineatus)
• Origin: South America (Amazon basin)
• Adult size: 5-6 cm
• Swimming zone: bottom
• Temperature: 22-26°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 °dGH
• Behaviour: gregarious, very peaceful
• Difficulty level: easy to intermediate (in a well-maintained tank)

Shipping & Delivery of live fish

Our Hoplisoma trilineatum are prepared with the greatest care in our Aquabota fishroom. Each fish is selected, acclimatised and observed before shipping to ensure optimum health.

• Packaging: oxygenated bags, insulated in crates specially designed for transporting live fish.
• Transport: express delivery via specially adapted carriers, to keep time spent in transit to a minimum.
• Temperature: addition of heaters or ice packs depending on the season, to maintain a stable temperature.
• Arrival: an Aquabota acclimatisation guide accompanies you step by step to help you introduce your fish in the best possible conditions.

If you have any questions before or after placing your order, our Aquabota team will be happy to advise you on compatibility with your population, the choice of decor and the ideal parameters for your Hoplisoma trilineatum.