Sands' cory (Hoplisoma davidsandsi) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

Sand's cory, Corydoras davidsandsi, David's cory

Family

Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)

Origin

Endemic to the Rio Unini system in the lower Rio Negro basin, Brazil. PlanetCatfish describes it as a whitewater fish that likes a little current.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

4.4 cm

Temperature

20–25°C

pH

6.2–7.2

Hardness

Very soft to soft, about 1–5 dGH

Minimum tank

81 litres

Care level

intermediate

Temperament

peaceful

Care

Sands' cory is a peaceful, sociable catfish that should be kept in a group of at least 6 of its own species, and ideally more, as it is far more confident in a proper group. A tank with a base of at least 90 × 30 cm (around 81 litres) gives a group room to forage. PlanetCatfish suggests a sandy bottom with wood, and plants such as Java moss and Java fern around the edges. Fine sand lets the fish sift with their barbels without wearing them down; sharp or dirty substrate leads to barbel damage and infection. Some cover and shade help them feel secure, and a gentle current suits this species. PlanetCatfish gives 20–25 °C and pH 6.2–7.2, a little cooler and less acidic than the 20–28 °C and pH 5–7 quoted by Seriously Fish; the PlanetCatfish figures are used here. Keep the water soft, clean and well oxygenated, with regular partial changes so nitrate stays low and uneaten food does not rot in the sand. Corys have bony plates instead of scales and are sensitive to salt and many medications (especially copper), so treat with care. They gulp air at the surface now and then, which is normal. The pectoral spines are sharp, can pierce skin and catch in nets, so net them gently. Identification: a dark stripe through the eye, and a dark band running from below the dorsal fin back to the lower tail; seen from above, this band splits in two over the tail stalk. The flanks have no other dark markings, which helps separate it from the similar Hoplisoma melini. Females are stouter than males, which is easiest to see from above. It is named after David Sands, the English aquarist and catfish author. Since the 2024 revision of the corydoradine catfishes it is placed in Hoplisoma (PlanetCatfish uses Hoplisoma davidsandsi), but it is still widely sold as "Corydoras davidsandsi". PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of 4.4 cm SL, smaller than the 6 cm quoted by Seriously Fish. FishBase lists it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2018). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=291); Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/hoplisoma-davidsandsi/); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Corydoras-davidsandsi.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A foraging omnivore that takes flake, sinking tablets and wafers, and frozen and live foods such as bloodworm and other small worms. A varied diet keeps it in the best condition. Make sure food reaches the bottom; do not expect it to live on leftovers.

Breeding

Females grow larger and become noticeably stouter than males. Use two males for each female and condition them well on varied live and frozen foods. Water changes are what usually set them off: a large (50–70%) change with slightly cooler water and extra oxygenation often triggers spawning. The eggs are stuck to the glass, driftwood and plants and get no parental care, so move either the eggs or the adults. Once the fry have used up their yolk sacs (after about 3–4 days), feed microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp and keep the water very clean.

Compatibility and tank mates

PlanetCatfish calls it a perfect citizen. It suits a calm community of small South American fish such as small characins (tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish), Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids, and other Corydoras. Avoid large or boisterous fish and anything big enough to bully it off the food.

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