Masked corydoras, bandit corydoras (Corydoras metae) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

Bandit cory, Masked cory, Meta River cory, Hoplisoma metae

Family

Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)

Origin

Endemic to the Río Meta basin in eastern Colombia (Orinoco system), including the Guaviare, Ocoa and Manacacías rivers.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

5 cm

Temperature

21–24°C

pH

6.5–7.5

Hardness

Soft to medium, 5–12 dGH

Minimum tank

72 litres

Care level

beginner

Temperament

peaceful

Care

Bandit corys are social and should be kept in a group; PlanetCatfish says at least 6 of the same species. A tank with a base of about 80 × 30 cm (around 72 litres) is recommended. PlanetCatfish suggests an open area of floor shaded by large broad-leaved plants, and a large cave or other refuge to help new fish settle. Use fine sand, or at least smooth rounded gravel kept very clean, so the fish can sift for food without wearing down their barbels. Add driftwood, plants and some shade, leaving an open patch of floor for foraging. They may rest quietly for periods but come out at feeding time. PlanetCatfish gives 21–24 °C and pH 6.5–7.5, cooler and narrower than the 20–26 °C and pH 6–7.5 we used before; we now use the PlanetCatfish figures. Soft to medium water suits it. Keep nitrate low with regular partial water changes and do not let waste build up in the substrate, as dirty conditions quickly lead to eroded barbels and infections. Corys handle salt and many medications (especially copper) poorly, so treat with care. Darting to the surface for a gulp of air now and then is normal: they breathe air through the gut. The pectoral-fin spines are sharp and can give a painful jab, so take care when netting and handling. The black "bandit mask" across the eyes and the dark bar along the back make it easy to recognise. PlanetCatfish separates it from look-alikes such as C. melini and C. davidsandsi by the lack of markings on the tail fin and on the middle of the flanks. Females are slightly larger than males, especially seen from above. Name note: formerly Corydoras metae, it was moved to Hoplisoma in the 2024 split of Corydoras (PlanetCatfish now lists it as Hoplisoma metae) and is still widely sold as "Corydoras metae". FishBase lists it as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (2020), reflecting its small range in one Colombian river basin, so buying captive-bred fish where you can is the kinder choice. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=24); Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/corydoras-metae/); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Corydoras-metae.html); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corydorasmetae). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivorous forager that needs its own food rather than leftovers. PlanetCatfish says it takes prepared foods happily, but bloodworm or other insect larvae are needed to bring it into breeding condition. Give quickly sinking pellets or tablets as the staple, plus small live or frozen foods.

Breeding

Use roughly two males to each female, conditioned well on live foods such as bloodworm. Trigger spawning with a large (50–70%) water change using slightly cooler water, plus extra flow or aeration. PlanetCatfish says around 20–30 eggs are produced, laid slowly a few at a time: the female carries them in a pouch formed by her pelvic fins and places them under broad leaves or on the glass. Eggs can be moved to a separate container; a little methylene blue helps prevent fungus. They hatch in 3–4 days, and once the yolk sac is used up the fry take microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

PlanetCatfish calls it an ideal community fish. Keep with other small, calm fish such as tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, small gouramis, dwarf cichlids and other peaceful catfish. Avoid large, aggressive or nippy species, and fish that will eat all the food before it reaches the bottom.

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