Corydoras Adolfoi (Corydoras Adolfoi / Hoplisoma adolfoi)

A black mask and ember-orange blaze mark this quiet Rio Negro shoaler.

Shop Corydoras adolfoi (Hoplisoma adolfoi), the peaceful Adolfo’s catfish: a striking bottom-dweller for soft, warm South American planted community aquariums.

• Water conditions: Corydoras adolfoi, now also classified as Hoplisoma adolfoi, comes from soft, acidic blackwater habitats in the Rio Negro region, so it performs best in a mature aquarium that mimics these conditions. Aim for a stable temperature of 22–26°C (72–79°F), pH around 5.8–7.2, general hardness of roughly 2–8 dGH, and low carbonate hardness where possible. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, nitrate below 20 ppm, and avoid sudden swings in temperature or chemistry. Good filtration, moderate water movement, and gentle surface agitation are ideal; avoid strong laminar flow that pushes these small catfish around. A darkened tank with driftwood, leaf litter, and live plants helps replicate natural blackwater conditions and encourages confidence. Acclimatise carefully, preferably by drip method, because newly imported or moved specimens can be sensitive to abrupt changes. Do not use salt unless specifically advised for a medical treatment, and always check medication tolerance for armoured catfish before dosing.
• Suitable tank mates: Adolfo’s corys are peaceful, social bottom-dwellers that should be kept in a group of at least six, with eight to ten or more being even better for natural shoaling behaviour. Suitable companions include small, calm tetras such as ember, cardinal, neon, and black neon tetras; pencilfish; hatchetfish; small rasboras; otocinclus; small peaceful plecos; and non-aggressive dwarf cichlids in a well-structured tank. Snails are generally fine, and adult cherry or Amano shrimp usually coexist well, though very small shrimp fry may be at risk. Avoid large or boisterous fish, fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids, goldfish, crayfish, and bottom-feeding species that compete aggressively for food. Do not mix with fish that can swallow a cory whole, and be cautious with loaches or catfish that are much larger or territorial. The ideal community is calm, planted, and stocked with small peaceful species that will not outcompete Adolfo’s corys at feeding time.
• Feeding habits: Corydoras adolfoi is an opportunistic omnivore that spends much of its time sifting the substrate and searching for food, but it should not be expected to live on leftovers alone. Offer a varied diet based around high-quality sinking pellets or wafers formulated for bottom-feeding catfish, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops, and blackworm. Spirulina or vegetable-enhanced foods can be offered occasionally, but the core diet should be protein-rich and highly digestible. Feed one to two small portions daily, or slightly more often for growing juveniles, and always remove uneaten food after a few hours to protect water quality. Because corys can be shy and are often most active around dusk, offer some foods after lights-out or shortly before the tank lights fade. Ensure food actually reaches the substrate rather than floating away, and avoid overfeeding, which is a common cause of obesity, poor water quality, and bacterial problems. Rotating foods keeps feeding interest high and supports condition, colour, and breeding activity.
• Care requirements: Provide a tank with a good footprint rather than simply height; a 90 cm / 20–30 gallon aquarium is a sensible minimum for a group of six to eight adults, with larger volumes being easier to keep stable. Use fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel, never sharp or coarse substrate that can damage delicate barbels. Include driftwood, caves, broad-leaved plants, floating cover, and leaf litter to create shaded retreats and foraging areas. Keep the group together, as isolated specimens often become withdrawn and may feed poorly. Perform weekly water changes of around 25–30%, siphoning gently and avoiding deep disturbance of any leaf litter or substrate pockets. Quarantine new arrivals for two to four weeks where possible, and observe for white spot, fin damage, and weight loss. Handle only when necessary and use a container rather than a net where practical, as the pectoral spines can catch in netting. Adults typically reach around 5–6 cm, so plan for a long-lived, peaceful community fish that rewards stable husbandry, soft water, and conscientious feeding with excellent colour and active shoaling behaviour.