Blackstripe corydoras (Corydoras bondi) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

C031, Hoplisoma bondi, Corydoras (lineage 9) bondi

Family

Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)

Origin

Northern South America: the Río Yuruari (Orinoco side) in Venezuela and the Corantijn and Rupununi basins of Guyana and Suriname.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

4.7 cm

Temperature

20–24°C

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

3–18 dGH (estimated)

Minimum tank

54 litres

Care level

intermediate

Temperament

peaceful

Care

A small, slender cory with a dark stripe along the side, given the C-number C031 before it was matched to the name. Like all corys it is a shoaling fish, so keep a group of at least 6. A tank of around 60 × 30 cm (about 54 litres) is enough for a small group; this is our estimate from its adult size, as PlanetCatfish gives no tank size. Use soft sand or smooth, rounded gravel so the barbels are not worn down, with some plants, wood and shaded places as well as open sand for feeding. PlanetCatfish gives a fairly cool range of 20–24 °C, so it should not be kept in a very warm tropical tank. Keep the water clean with regular partial changes and avoid copper-based treatments. Females are larger and fuller-bodied, which is easiest to see from above; mature males are slimmer and have more pointed fins. Names: PlanetCatfish places it in "lineage 9" of Corydoras, and since the 2024 revision of the armoured catfishes it is now classified as Hoplisoma bondi; it is still sold as Corydoras bondi or C031. The species was named after Dr Franklyn F. Bond. It is not often seen in shops, so check the identity of fish offered under this name. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2020). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=852); Aquatic Republic (aquaticrepublic.com/hoplisomabondi). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that forages over the bottom. PlanetCatfish notes it takes all prepared foods that reach the bottom (sinking tablets, granules and flakes) as well as live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white worm and Daphnia. Feed it properly in its own right rather than relying on leftovers, and feed after lights-out if faster fish take everything first.

Breeding

Rarely bred: PlanetCatfish holds only a single breeding report. Spawning follows the usual Corydoras pattern: the pair takes up the "T-position", and the female holds a few eggs between her pelvic fins and sticks them to the glass, plants or décor, repeating this many times. Conditioning on live and frozen food, then a large water change with slightly cooler water, is the usual trigger. Remove the eggs or the adults, as the parents will eat the eggs, and raise the fry on microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful shoaling catfish for a community of small, calm fish: small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids and other small catfish. Avoid large or boisterous fish that could bully or eat it, and fin-nippers.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.