Product Details

Leopard Corydoras – Hoplisoma trilineatum

The Leopard Corydoras is a peaceful, social bottom-dwelling catfish with fine dark markings, a broken flank stripe and classic Cory-type behaviour. Correctly listed under its updated name Hoplisoma trilineatum, but still widely sold as Corydoras trilineatus, this species is a long-standing favourite for planted community aquariums. It is best kept in groups on soft sand, where it can forage naturally without damaging its delicate barbels.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Leopard Corydoras
Other Names: Three-lined Cory, Three-stripe Cory, False Julii Cory, Leopard Cory, Three Line Corydoras
Scientific Name: Hoplisoma trilineatum
Older / Trade Name: Corydoras trilineatus
Fish Type: Cory-type Armoured Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Hoplisoma trilineatum is a South American Cory-type catfish associated with Amazonian freshwater habitats. It is found in slow to moderately flowing waters where fine substrate, leaf litter, submerged roots, marginal plants and shaded areas provide feeding grounds and cover.

In the aquarium, Leopard Corydoras should be kept in a mature planted setup with fine sand, smooth décor, leaf litter if desired, shaded areas and open patches for foraging. Avoid sharp gravel, as rough substrate can damage the barbels and underside.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Leopard Corydoras have a pale silver, cream or greyish body covered with dark reticulated markings, giving a leopard-like or maze-like pattern. A darker horizontal stripe usually runs along the side of the body, and the head often shows fine spots or broken markings.

This species is often confused with true Julii Corydoras. In general, Leopard Corydoras tend to show more connected, reticulated body markings and a stronger side stripe, while true Julii Corydoras usually show finer, more separate spotting. Mixed or mislabelled shipments are common in the trade.

Adults usually reach around 5–6 cm, with females typically becoming fuller-bodied than males.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is ideal for peaceful community aquariums, planted tropical setups and South American-style displays. It is a good choice for aquarists wanting an active, sociable bottom fish that stays manageable in size.

Leopard Corydoras are not suitable for aggressive cichlid tanks, predator aquariums, rough gravel substrates, immature aquariums or setups with large fish that may harass or swallow them.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 75 litres for a group, with a tank length of at least 60 cm recommended. Larger aquariums are preferred for bigger groups and mixed communities.

Keep in a group of at least 6, with 8 or more preferred. Corydoras-type catfish are social, and larger groups are more confident, more active and more natural in behaviour.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Leopard Corydoras are adaptable when captive-acclimated, but they do best in clean, stable, well-oxygenated water. Avoid high nitrate, dirty substrate and sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Leopard Corydoras are peaceful community fish. Suitable tank mates include small to medium tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful barbs, dwarf cichlids with care, gouramis, livebearers in compatible water, Otocinclus, small plecs and other peaceful community species.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, rough bottom dwellers and fish that outcompete them heavily at feeding time. They should not be relied on as “clean-up fish”; they need their own proper diet.

Feeding:

Leopard Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders. Offer quality sinking catfish tablets, fine sinking granules, wafers and soft pellets as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, blackworm and mosquito larvae.

Feed after lights dim if faster midwater fish take too much food. Make sure food reaches the substrate so the group can feed properly.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is a gentle, social species that spends much of its time foraging across the substrate, resting in groups and making short dashes to the surface for air. Occasional surface air-gulping is normal for Cory-type catfish, provided water quality and oxygen levels are good.

Leopard Corydoras are egg scatterers. Females may hold small groups of eggs between the pelvic fins before placing them on glass, plants or décor. Adults do not guard the eggs.

Care Notes:

Add Leopard Corydoras only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium with soft sand and clean substrate. Keep them in a proper group, provide hiding areas and avoid sharp décor.

Because this species is commonly confused with true Julii Corydoras, colour pattern may vary slightly between shipments. The product should be listed with the updated name Hoplisoma trilineatum and the trade name Corydoras trilineatus so customers can find it easily.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Usually farmed or imported in batches

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, body pattern, side stripe, spotting, sex, age and markings can occur between individual fish.