{"product_id":"bandit-corydoras-hoplisoma-metae","title":"Bandit Corydoras | Hoplisoma metae","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Bandit Cory pulls off a smart black eye-mask and a matching stripe running along the back — clean, distinctive and endlessly busy along the bottom. Peaceful, hardy and sociable, this small corydoras grows to only around 5–6 cm and is a lovely shoaling catfish for a soft, well-kept community. Always keep it in a group of six or more.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eHoplisoma metae (formerly Corydoras metae) comes from the Rio Meta drainage of the Orinoco basin in Colombia, where it forages over sand and leaf litter in soft, warm, clear water. Soft sand, driftwood, gentle shade and clean, well-oxygenated water recreate its home and encourage natural foraging behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA short, rounded cory with a pale pinkish-cream body, marked by a black band through the eye and a bold black stripe that runs along the top of the back from the head into the tail. The armoured flanks have a soft sheen. Markings are crispest, and the fish most confident, in a settled shoal over pale sand.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWholly peaceful and social, doing best in a group of its own kind and mixing happily with small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids and other gentle community fish. Kept singly or in twos it becomes withdrawn, so a proper shoal is essential for confident, natural behaviour. It is a perfect member of a peaceful community.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn omnivorous bottom feeder that welcomes sinking pellets and wafers, frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp, and quality flake that reaches the substrate. Feed a varied diet, ideally in the evening, and ensure enough sinks past faster mid-water fish so the corys get their share.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 60 L, with 75 L or larger better for a good shoal. Keep temperature at 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and soft to moderately soft water, around GH 2–12. Use soft sand to protect the delicate barbels, provide gentle filtration and shade, and keep water clean with regular changes, as this species appreciates good water quality. Completely plant safe.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreeding is achievable for the dedicated keeper. A cooler, soft-water change can trigger spawning, with eggs laid on glass and plants in the classic Corydoras 'T-position'. Eggs and fry are vulnerable, so a separate rearing tank and scrupulous hygiene give the best results. A well-conditioned group with several females improves success.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHoplisoma metae (formerly Corydoras metae)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBandit Corydoras\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRio Meta, Orinoco basin, Colombia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 5–6 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–8 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (schooling)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (bottom): sinking pellets, wafers, frozen and live foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–26 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to moderate, around 2–12 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft-water community and planted aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids such as apistogrammas, honey gouramis and other peaceful corydoras.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with large or aggressive cichlids, boisterous barbs, and any fish big enough to bully or eat a small cory. Avoid hard, alkaline water and sharp gravel.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232803537187,"sku":"BA8685","price":27.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232803569955,"sku":null,"price":32.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Bandit_Corydoras_c54ecec6-e106-4334-8d47-c0129eead3e3.jpg?v=1781698778","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/bandit-corydoras-hoplisoma-metae","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}