Care
The Loreto Cory is a charming little catfish, known from the upper Amazon River basin, make for a wonderful addition to the mature peaceful community aquarium. This species must be maintained in groups of 5 or more due to its shoaling nature, and tankmates should include other appropriately sized peaceable fish such as pencilfish, some of the smaller tetra species, blue eyes (Pseudomugil sp.), micro-Rasboras etc. Hoplisoma loretoensis possess fairly high dorsal fins, so be sure not to keep them alongside any "nippy" species. The tank should have a soft sand substrate in order to protect the delicate sensory barbels, and shady areas amongst bogwood and plants should be provided. 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.
A similar-looking fish is sometimes unintentionally imported under the loretoense name tag, reportedly living in the same natural range, which has black "mask" blotches over the eyes. These fish are currently known as cf. loretoense, and can be told apart from the sympatrically occurring H. atropersonatum by the longer body and higher dorsal fin.
Hoplisoma was recently split from Corydoras and contains many familiar species.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.
Breeding
Spawning attempts should be carried out in soft, slightly acidic water. Mature fish (2 males:1 female) can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. When ready to spawn, a pair should adopt the classic Corydoras "T position" where the male fertilises eggs that are held between the females pelvic fins.
