Description

‘Colossus Catfish’ (Hoplisoma Colossus) 

Care Guide

Common Names: $\text{Colossus Corydoras}$, $\text{Large Armoured Catfish}$ Scientific Context: The genus $\text{Hoplisoma}$ is typically considered a junior synonym of $\text{Corydoras}$ (or related to $\text{Brochis}$). This guide is based on the care requirements for the largest, $\text{Corydoras-like}$ armoured catfish. Family: $\text{Callichthyidae}$ (Armoured Catfish family) Origin: South America (various Amazonian tributaries).

This species, interpreted as a large member of the $\text{Callichthyidae}$ family, is a peaceful, $\text{hardy}$, and social bottom-dweller. Unlike the true $\text{Redtail Catfish}$ (which grows to $\text{over a metre}$), this fish is entirely suitable for a large community aquarium.

Key Characteristics and Appearance

• Size: These larger $\text{Callichthyids}$ typically reach adult lengths of $7\text{ cm}$ to $12\text{ cm}$ ($3$ to $5$ inches), which is substantial for a $\text{Corydoras-type}$ fish.
• Appearance: They exhibit the classic $\text{Corydoras}$ triangular body shape, often with a slightly longer, more slender body and larger fins than their smaller relatives. $\text{Colouration}$ varies greatly but is generally based on earthy tones of bronze, green, or grey.
• Temperament: They are highly gregarious, peaceful, and active. They spend their time sifting the substrate with their sensitive $\text{barbels}$ in search of food.
• Activity: They are obligate shoalers and must be kept in groups.

Aquarium Setup Requirements

These fish require excellent water quality and a secure, non-abrasive environment to protect their delicate $\text{barbels}$.

Tank Size and Substrate

• Minimum Tank Size: Due to their social nature and adult size, a minimum tank of $180\text{ litres}$ ($40\text{ Imperial Gallons}$) with ample bottom space is recommended for a healthy shoal.
• Substrate: Fine, soft sand is mandatory. Gravel of any coarseness will damage their $\text{barbels}$ over time, leading to infection and starvation.
• Décor: Provide a heavily decorated environment with $\text{driftwood}$, smooth river stones, and dense planting. They prefer areas of low light and require numerous shaded resting spots where they can retreat during the brighter parts of the day.

Water Parameters

This group of fish prefers clean, neutral to slightly acidic water.

Parameter	Recommended Range
Temperature	22∘C to 26∘C (72∘F to 79∘F)
$\text{pH}$	$6.5$ to $7.5$ (Neutral is ideal)
Hardness ($\text{GH}$)	Soft to Medium ($\text{dH }4\text{ to }12$)

Filtration and Maintenance

$\text{Callichthyids}$ are generally hardy, but they are very sensitive to $\text{nitrate}$ $\text{buildup}$ and poor bottom conditions.

• Filtration: Use robust $\text{biological filtration}$ (e.g., a good canister filter) to maintain pristine water quality.
• Water Changes: Consistent weekly water changes of $25\%\text{ to }30\%$ are crucial.
• A $\text{Well-Oxygenated}$ Environment: Ensure good surface agitation, as these fish are capable of breathing air from the surface, but thrive best when water oxygen levels are high.

Diet and Social Needs

Dietary Needs

They are omnivores and will accept a wide variety of sinking foods. They are excellent scavengers but must be targeted-fed to ensure they receive adequate nutrition and are not relying solely on leftover food.

• Staple: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers.
• Supplement: Offer plenty of frozen foods such as $\text{bloodworm}$, $\text{brine shrimp}$, and $\text{daphnia}$. Live or frozen earthworms are also readily accepted and provide excellent protein.
• Feeding $\text{Behaviour}$: Feed once or twice daily, dropping food directly onto the substrate near their resting spots.

Social Requirements and Compatibility

• Shoaling: A minimum shoal size of six individuals is required. They are happiest and most active in groups of ten or more. Keeping them alone will result in shyness, stress, and a weakened immune system.
• Tank Mates: Due to their peaceful nature, they are compatible with almost all non-aggressive, mid-to-upper-water column fish. Suitable mates include $\text{Tetras}$, $\text{Rasboras}$, $\text{Dwarf Cichlids}$ (like $\text{Apistogramma}$), and $\text{small Plecos}$. Avoid large or aggressive bottom-dwelling fish that might compete aggressively for food.

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