Product Details

CW114 Sipaliwini Cory – Hoplisoma sipaliwini

Overview:

The CW114 Sipaliwini Cory is a rare and attractive Cory-type catfish from the Guiana Shield region of South America, valued for its neat spotting, peaceful temperament and active group foraging. Formerly sold as Corydoras sipaliwini CW114, this small armoured catfish is now correctly placed in Hoplisoma. It is ideal for aquarists who enjoy less common Cory-type species and can provide a mature aquarium with soft sand, clean water and a proper group.

Key Identification:

Common Name: CW114 Sipaliwini Cory
Other Names: Sipaliwini Cory, Nail Cory, CW114 Cory, Sipaliwini Corydoras, Corydoras sipaliwini
Scientific Name: Hoplisoma sipaliwini
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish / Armoured Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Sipaliwini Cory is native to coastal river basins of Guyana and Suriname, with the name referring to the Sipaliwini River in the Corantijn River system of Suriname. FishBase lists Hoplisoma sipaliwini as a freshwater, benthopelagic tropical catfish from these northern South American drainages.

In nature, it is associated with quiet river margins, tributaries and soft-bottomed habitats where small Cory-type catfish forage in groups. For aquarium care, this means fine sand, shaded areas, wood, leaf litter, plants and stable, clean water are strongly recommended.

Appearance & Adult Size:

CW114 Sipaliwini Corys have a pale cream to light bronze body covered in fine dark spotting, with a subtle darker line or patterning through the side and tail. The appearance is delicate rather than bold, making it especially appealing in planted or natural-style aquariums. It can resemble related Guiana Shield species such as Hoplisoma bondi and Hoplisoma coppenamense, so correct labelling is useful. Fishkeeper notes that H. sipaliwini closely resembles these related species, while Aquarium Glaser highlights the difficulty of separating the small Guyana Shield forms.

Adults stay small, usually around 4–5 cm, with FishBase listing a maximum of 4.6 cm standard length. Females are usually slightly fuller-bodied than males when mature.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a peaceful bottom-dweller for a mature community aquarium, soft-water planted setup or specialist Cory-type tank. It should not be kept on sharp gravel, in aggressive communities or in brand-new aquariums with unstable water quality. A natural layout with fine sand, wood, leaf litter, plants and open feeding areas will allow the group to behave naturally.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60–70 litres for a group, with 90 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal or community aquarium. Floor space is more important than height, so choose an aquarium 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; soft, slightly acidic water preferred
Additional Notes: Keep the aquarium mature, clean and well oxygenated, with gentle to moderate flow and regular partial water changes. CW114 is associated with Suriname and Guyana river systems, and hobby notes suggest soft, acidic water is appropriate for this form. Avoid high nitrate, dirty substrate and sudden parameter swings.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

CW114 Sipaliwini Corys are peaceful, social catfish that should be kept with calm tank mates. Suitable companions include small tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, small rasboras, Otocinclus, small peaceful plecs, gentle dwarf cichlids and other quiet community fish that will not bully or outcompete them.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, rough bottom-dwellers and very boisterous feeding species. Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8 or more preferred. A proper group improves confidence, feeding response and natural foraging behaviour.

Feeding:

CW114 Sipaliwini Corys are omnivorous bottom-foragers and should be fed directly. Offer fine sinking catfish pellets, small bottom-feeder tablets, micro granules and soft sinking foods as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, bloodworm, tubifex and finely chopped worms. Fishkeeper lists sinking catfish pellets and frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp as suitable foods for this species.

They will search for missed food, but they should never be expected to survive only on leftovers.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends most of its time on the lower levels, foraging over sand in a loose group and resting under plants, wood or shaded cover. Like other Cory-type catfish, it may make quick trips to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour if water quality is good. In a quiet aquarium, a settled group becomes more confident and visible through the day.

Care Notes:

Use soft sand wherever possible and keep the substrate clean to protect the barbels. Add only to a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality. Keep in groups, provide shaded areas and make sure food reaches the bottom. Because CW114 is an uncommon Cory-type catfish, avoid rough community setups and give extra care during acclimation. 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:

Rare / Occasional / Specialist Cory-type catfish, sometimes captive-bred

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.