Product Details

CW102 Cory – Hoplisoma sp. CW102

Overview:

The CW102 Cory is an attractive and uncommon Cory-type catfish, appreciated for its peaceful behaviour, neat patterning and specialist appeal among Cory keepers. Still traded under its code number rather than a formal species name, Hoplisoma sp. CW102 is a small to medium bottom-dweller that does best in a mature aquarium with soft sand, shaded cover and a group of its own kind. It is suitable for calm community aquariums, but because it is less commonly available than standard Cory-type catfish, it deserves careful, stable care.

Key Identification:

Common Name: CW102 Cory
Other Names: CW102 Corydoras, Corydoras CW102, Corydoras sp. CW102, Gold Bow Cory
Scientific Name: Hoplisoma sp. CW102
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish / Armoured Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

CW102 is an undescribed South American Cory-type catfish. Trade and specialist references associate it with Brazil, with some listings linking it to the Rio Tapajós drainage. As with many Hoplisoma species, it should be treated as a bottom-dwelling shoaler from quiet tributary or marginal habitats, where fine substrates, leaf litter, roots, shaded cover and clean water are important.

In the aquarium, the priority should be a soft substrate, low-stress surroundings and consistent water quality rather than a harsh, brightly lit or newly set-up tank.

Appearance & Adult Size:

CW102 has the compact, short-snouted body shape typical of many Hoplisoma catfish, with bony side plates, small barbels and a peaceful foraging build. Patterning can vary, but the fish is generally appreciated for its tidy markings and subtle golden to olive tones, which have led some retailers to use the name Gold Bow Cory. Adults are usually expected to reach around 5–7 cm, with females becoming fuller-bodied than males when mature.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a good choice for a peaceful, mature freshwater aquarium, especially a planted community or specialist Cory setup. Provide open sandy areas for foraging, along with wood, plants, botanicals or shaded retreats around the edges. CW102 Corys should not be kept on sharp gravel, in aggressive communities or in immature tanks with unstable water quality.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 70–80 litres for a group, with 90 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal or community aquarium. Floor space matters more than height, so choose a tank with a good footprint and plenty of accessible substrate.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; softer stable water preferred
Additional Notes: Keep the aquarium clean, mature and well oxygenated. Provide gentle to moderate flow, regular partial water changes and avoid high nitrate or dirty substrate. General Cory-type care guidance supports warm tropical conditions around the low-to-mid 20s °C, with captive-bred fish often adapting to a wider chemistry range if conditions remain stable.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

CW102 Corys are peaceful, social bottom-dwellers. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, hatchetfish, Otocinclus, small peaceful plecs, dwarf cichlids in suitable setups and other calm community fish that will not bully or outcompete them.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, very boisterous bottom-feeders and fin-nipping fish. Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8 or more preferred. A proper group encourages confidence, feeding response and natural foraging behaviour.

Feeding:

CW102 Corys are omnivorous foragers and should be fed directly. Offer fine sinking catfish pellets, small bottom-feeder tablets, micro granules and soft sinking foods as the staple. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, bloodworm, tubifex and finely chopped worms. They will search for leftovers, but they should never be expected to survive only on food missed by other fish.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends most of its time on the lower levels, moving over sand in a loose group and using its barbels to search for food. In a quiet aquarium, it may become active throughout the day, especially around feeding time. Like other Cory-type catfish, it may make quick trips to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour provided water quality is good.

Care Notes:

A fine sand substrate is strongly recommended, with very smooth fine gravel only if it is kept exceptionally clean. Avoid sharp gravel, dirty substrate and rough décor that may damage the barbels. Add only to a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality. Keep in groups, provide shaded retreats and make sure food reaches the bottom. Cory-type catfish can release defensive secretions when stressed, so they should be transported carefully and not mixed with other fish in small bags.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Rare / Specialist Cory-type catfish

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 and markings can occur between individual fish.