Duplicate Hoplisoma

Remarks: The duplicate Hoplisoma get their name because they share a very similar appearance with a previously described species, Adolfo's Hoplisoma. Both have a white or silver body, a thick black bar along their back starting from the front of the dorsal fin and extending down to the base of the caudal fin, a black "mask," and a bright orange patch on the top of the head between the two. The main differences between the two species is that the duplicate Hoplisoma has a bigger, brighter orange spot and a wider black bar compared to Adolfo's Hoplisoma. In the wild, they can only be found in a small portion of the upper Rio Negro in Brazil. There, the water is extremely soft, acidic, and flows fast but is still tannin stained   The duplicate Hoplisoma was previously classified as Corydoras duplicareus, but was reclassified as Hoplisoma duplicareum upon publication of a phylogenomic analysis in 2024 that reclassified many species in the Corydoradinae subfamily.   Corydoradinae are small, peaceful catfish that are active shoalers and will stay near conspecifics, making for a lovely sight. They feed by searching through sand with their barbels, making such a substrate necessary for their long-term health. Gravel substrates tend to be abrasive and damage the barbels, leading to infections and an inability to find food.   While these friendly catfish are willing to swim with other species of Corydoradinae different from their own, this does not provide the same social need as being kept with members of their own species. Because of this, it is highly recommended to keep at least six of each species of Corydoradinae present in the aquarium and only mix species if one has the space to keep at least six of each.   Corydoradinae are often looked at as "scavengers," but they should be treated in a similar fashion as the rest of your fish. They are omnivores and require a mixed diet. Sinking prepared foods are readily accepted, as are frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, blackworms, and bloodworms.