Product Details

CW160 Super Ancestor Cory – Hoplisoma tenebrosum

Overview:

The CW160 Super Ancestor Cory is a rare and highly desirable Cory-type catfish with a dark, refined pattern, peaceful nature and strong appeal for specialist catfish keepers. Previously known mainly by its code number CW160, this fish is now correctly described as Hoplisoma tenebrosum. It is best suited to a mature, calm aquarium with soft sand, stable water and a proper group of its own kind. Although it is peaceful enough for many community setups, its rarity and sensitivity to poor conditions make it better treated as a specialist Cory-type catfish rather than an everyday bottom-feeder.

Key Identification:

Common Name: CW160 Super Ancestor Cory
Other Names: Super Ancestor Cory, CW160 Cory, CW168 Cory, Hikari Cory, Jabuti Cory, Corydoras sp. CW160, Brochis sp. CW160
Scientific Name: Hoplisoma tenebrosum
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish / Armoured Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Hoplisoma tenebrosum is a South American species from the rio Tapajós basin in the Brazilian Amazon. Its known locality is associated with small igarapé-type tributary habitats, where Cory-type catfish typically live close to the substrate among sand, fine sediments, leaf litter, roots, marginal cover and shaded water.

In the aquarium, it should be maintained in a clean, mature setup with soft substrate, low stress and good oxygenation. A natural-style layout with sand, wood, leaf litter, plants and shaded areas will suit this species well.

Appearance & Adult Size:

The Super Ancestor Cory is a short-snouted Cory-type catfish with a dusky to grey-brown body, dark eye mask and irregular darker markings across the body plates. The pattern can vary between individuals, but the overall look is darker and more understated than many common Cory-type catfish. Mature females are usually fuller-bodied, while males tend to be slimmer.

Adults are expected to reach around 5–6 cm, making them a small to medium Cory-type species. Their compact size makes them suitable for modest aquariums, but because they are rare and group-living, they should still be given generous floor space and excellent water quality.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to a mature peaceful aquarium, specialist Cory setup or carefully chosen South American community. It should not be kept on sharp gravel or in brand-new aquariums. Provide fine sand for natural foraging, wood and shaded areas for security, and open areas where the group can feed together.

CW160 Super Ancestor Corys are peaceful, but they should not be mixed with aggressive, predatory or very boisterous fish. They are especially well suited to aquarists who already understand Cory-type catfish care.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 70–80 litres for a small group, with 90 litres or more preferred for a larger group or community setup. Floor space is more important than height, so choose an aquarium with a good footprint and open sandy areas.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; softer stable water preferred
Additional Notes: Keep water clean, well-oxygenated and stable. Regular partial water changes are important. Avoid high nitrate, dirty substrate and sudden parameter swings. A gentle to moderate flow is suitable, but the fish should also have calm resting areas.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

CW160 Super Ancestor Corys are peaceful social catfish. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, small rasboras, Otocinclus, small peaceful plecs, dwarf cichlids in suitable setups and other calm community fish that will not outcompete them.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping fish and rough bottom dwellers. They should be kept in a group of at least 6, with 8 or more preferred where space allows. Keeping them in good numbers improves confidence, feeding response and natural behaviour.

Feeding:

This species is an omnivorous forager and should be fed directly rather than left to survive on leftovers. 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.

Feed after lights dim if faster midwater fish are taking too much food. A varied diet will help maintain body condition and encourage natural activity.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

The CW160 Super Ancestor Cory spends most of its time on the lower levels, foraging across sand and resting under cover. A settled group will move together loosely and may become active throughout the day in a quiet aquarium. Like other Cory-type catfish, it may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour.

When stressed, some Corydoradinae catfish can release defensive toxins into confined water. This is especially relevant during transport, so they should be bagged carefully and never packed with other fish.

Care Notes:

Use soft sand or very smooth fine gravel to protect the barbels. Keep the substrate clean and avoid compacted dirty gravel. Add only to a fully cycled, mature aquarium with stable water quality. Do not keep singly, and avoid mixing with aggressive or fast-feeding tank mates. Because this is a rare and recently described species, careful acclimation, low stress and consistent maintenance are strongly recommended.

Recommended For:

Intermediate

Availability:

Rare / Specialist import or captive-bred when 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 and markings can occur between individual fish.