Care
Hoplisoma gossei is an ideal bottom dweller for peaceful, softwater aquaria. The substrate should consist of soft sand in order to protect the delicate sensory barbels, with plenty of shady hiding spots provided amongst tangles of driftwood. Peat filtration and leaf litter will both help to acidify the water whilst giving it a natural tea-coloured appearance with the tannins that are released. Whilst plants are not a big feature of this species' natural habitat, they may make the aquarium more aesthetically pleasing. H. gossei is a highly sociable species and must be kept in groups of 5 or more. The aquarium should be well mature before this species is added and frequent partial water changes are a must, as they can be rather sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. Large shoals of small midwater dither fish will encourage these fish out into view. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. They may do this numerous times per day. These fish may also be seen on sale as Palespotted Cory. Very similar in appearance to Brochis seussi, although gossei has a much rounder snout in comparison.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets/granules/tablets, flake, and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
Mature fish can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change and letting the temperature slowly creep back up towards the top of the preferred range. A pair will adopt the classic Corydoras "T position" where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the females" pelvic fins. The semi-adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, decor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs generally take around 5-6 days to hatch, and after a further few days the fry will become free-swimming and are able to take finely-powdered first foods and newly hatched brineshrimp. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited. If younger males happen to engage in the act of spawning, it is quite likely that a number of eggs will go unfertilised. In this instance be sure to remove the unfertilised eggs from the aquarium as soon as possible, as they will quickly attract fungus, which could spread to the healthy eggs.
