Bandit Corydoras - Hoplisoma metae

Bandit Corydoras (Hoplisoma metae)

The Bandit Corydoras, Hoplisoma metae, is a peaceful South American cory-type catfish with a pale body, dark dorsal saddle and distinctive black “mask” running through the eye. Also known as the Masked Cory, Meta Cory or Bandit Cory, this sociable bottom-dweller is a superb choice for mature community aquariums with soft sand, clean water and calm tank mates. It is best kept in a group, where its natural foraging behaviour, gentle shoaling activity and attractive markings can be properly appreciated.

Common Name:
Bandit Corydoras, Bandit Cory, Masked Cory, Meta Cory, Rio Meta Cory.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Hoplisoma metae
Still widely traded as Corydoras metae.

Maximum Size:
Up to around 4.8–5 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to South America, especially the Río Meta system in Colombia and Venezuela, part of the Orinoco River basin. In the wild, this species inhabits tropical freshwater river and tributary habitats, foraging close to the substrate in quieter areas with sand, fine sediments, leaf litter, wood and shaded cover.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; stable, clean water is essential.

Temperament:
Peaceful and sociable. Bandit Corydoras are excellent community fish and should never be kept alone. They are gentle catfish that do best with calm tank mates and can be stressed or outcompeted by large, aggressive or very boisterous fish.

Diet:
Omnivorous bottom-feeder. Offer sinking catfish pellets, fine granules, wafers, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp and other small meaty foods. They will search the substrate for food, but should not be expected to survive only on leftovers from fish feeding above them.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 75 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred for community setups. A longer footprint is more useful than height, as this species spends most of its time on or near the bottom.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active but gentle bottom-level shoaler that spends much of the day sifting sand, resting in groups and exploring shaded areas. Keep at least 6 individuals, with 8 or more preferred for confidence and natural behaviour. Like other cory-type catfish, it may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, so always leave clear access to the water surface.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, small barbs, peaceful livebearers, dwarf cichlids with care, gouramis and other calm community species. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very boisterous bottom feeders or any fish large enough to swallow them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Soft sand is strongly recommended, as Bandit Corydoras are prone to barbel damage and infection if kept on sharp or dirty gravel. Provide plants, driftwood, leaf litter, caves and shaded areas, along with open sand patches for foraging. Maintain excellent substrate hygiene and regular partial water changes. This species should be added only to a mature, stable aquarium and kept in a proper group.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred or specialist import where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.