Product Details

Bandit Corydoras – Hoplisoma metae

The Bandit Corydoras is a peaceful, sociable bottom-dwelling catfish known for its bold black eye mask and distinctive dark saddle marking. Also sold as the Bandit Cory, Masked Cory or under the older name Corydoras metae, this attractive species is ideal for mature planted community aquariums with soft sand, calm tank mates and clean, stable water. It is active without being boisterous and is best kept in a proper group where its natural foraging behaviour can be seen.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Bandit Corydoras
Other Names: Bandit Cory, Masked Cory, Meta Cory, Meta River Cory
Scientific Name: Hoplisoma metae
Older / Trade Name: Corydoras metae
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Hoplisoma metae is native to South America, especially the Río Meta drainage within the wider Orinoco River system of Colombia and Venezuela. Natural habitats include quiet tributaries, stream margins, pools and soft-bottomed areas where the fish can search through fine sediment, leaf litter and organic debris for small food items.

In the aquarium, Bandit Corydoras do best in mature setups with fine sand, shaded areas, plants, driftwood and smooth stones. They appreciate clean, oxygen-rich water and should not be kept on sharp gravel or in poorly maintained tanks where their delicate barbels may become damaged.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Bandit Corydoras have a pale silver to beige body with a dark band running through the eye, giving the fish its familiar “masked” or “bandit” look. A bold black saddle marking crosses the back near the dorsal fin, while the rest of the body remains relatively clean and lightly coloured.

Adults usually reach around 4.5–5.5 cm. Mature females are often broader and fuller-bodied than males, particularly when viewed from above.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a very good species for peaceful community aquariums, planted tanks and South American-style freshwater displays. It spends most of its time on the bottom, sifting through sand and exploring shaded areas for food.

Bandit Corydoras are not algae eaters and should not be treated as a clean-up fish. They need their own sinking foods and are best kept in a calm aquarium where they are not outcompeted by larger or aggressive bottom dwellers.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60–80 litres for a group, with a tank length of at least 60 cm recommended. Larger aquariums are better for bigger groups and mixed community setups.

Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8 or more preferred where space allows. A proper group improves confidence, reduces stress and encourages more natural behaviour.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.8
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Bandit Corydoras prefer clean, stable, well-oxygenated water. Fine sand is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and allow natural feeding behaviour. Avoid sharp gravel, dirty substrates and unstable new aquariums.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Bandit Corydoras are peaceful, social community fish. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful livebearers, dwarf cichlids, small gourami, Otocinclus and other calm fish that enjoy similar conditions.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, boisterous barbs and very competitive bottom feeders. They should not be kept singly or in pairs, as low numbers often make them shy and less active.

Feeding:

Bandit Corydoras are omnivorous bottom-foragers. Offer quality sinking catfish pellets, small sinking granules and fine wafers as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops and tubifex.

They will search the substrate for food, but they must not be expected to survive on leftovers alone. In busy aquariums, feed sinking foods after the main lights dim to make sure the group receives enough food.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends most of its time on the lower levels of the aquarium, moving across the sand in small groups and using its barbels to locate food. When settled, Bandit Corydoras are active and visible, often resting together under plants, wood or shaded areas between feeding periods.

Like other cory-type catfish, they may occasionally dart to the surface to take a gulp of air. This is normal behaviour, but frequent frantic surface visits can indicate poor oxygenation or water quality issues.

Care Notes:

Add Bandit Corydoras only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide soft sand, clean water, regular maintenance and peaceful tank mates. Avoid sharp gravel, dirty substrate and cramped conditions.

This species is hardy when kept correctly, but it is sensitive to poor water quality and unsuitable substrates. It should always be kept in a group, and food must be targeted to the bottom so the fish do not lose condition in a busy community tank.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Usually captive-bred or commercially farmed, with wild imports sometimes available

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.