Product Details

Smudge Spot Cory – Hoplisoma simile

The Smudge Spot Cory is a peaceful, sociable cory-type catfish known for its soft grey body colour, subtle violet sheen and distinctive dark smudge marking near the tail. Also sold as the Smudge-spot Cory, Violet Cory, Similis Cory or under the older name Corydoras similis, this attractive bottom-dweller is ideal for mature planted community aquariums with soft sand, calm tank mates and clean, stable water. It is a gentle, active species that looks best when kept in a proper group.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Smudge Spot Cory
Other Names: Smudge-spot Cory, Violet Cory, Similis Cory, Smudge Spot Corydoras
Scientific Name: Hoplisoma simile
Older / Trade Name: Corydoras similis
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Hoplisoma simile is a South American cory-type catfish associated with the Madeira River basin in Brazil. Its natural habitats are likely to include small tributaries, quiet margins, sandy areas, leaf litter and soft-bottomed sections where the fish can forage for tiny food items.

In the aquarium, Smudge Spot Corys should be given fine sand, shaded areas, plants, driftwood and smooth décor. They appreciate clean, stable water and should not be kept on sharp gravel or in dirty substrate where their delicate barbels may become damaged.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Smudge Spot Corys have a compact, armoured body with short barbels around the mouth for searching through the substrate. The body is usually pale grey, silver-beige or slightly violet-toned, with fine darker speckling or shading and a noticeable dark smudge-like patch near the base of the tail.

Adults usually reach around 4.5–5.5 cm. Mature females are normally broader and fuller-bodied than males, especially when viewed from above, while males are typically slimmer and more active during breeding behaviour.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is well suited to peaceful planted aquariums, South American-style community tanks and specialist cory displays. It spends most of its time on the lower levels of the aquarium, foraging over sand and resting in shaded areas.

Smudge Spot Corys are not algae eaters and should not be bought as a cleaning fish. They need targeted sinking foods, a mature aquarium and calm tank mates that will not outcompete or harass them.

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 peaceful communities.

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

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Clean, stable and well-oxygenated water is important. Fine sand is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and allow natural feeding behaviour. Avoid sharp gravel, dirty substrates, poor oxygenation and unstable new aquariums.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Smudge Spot Corys are peaceful, social bottom-dwellers. Suitable tank mates include small to medium tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, small gourami, Otocinclus and other calm community fish that enjoy similar water 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 can make them shy and less active.

Feeding:

Smudge Spot Corys are omnivorous bottom-foragers. Offer quality sinking catfish pellets, soft sinking granules and fine wafers as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, cyclops, mosquito larvae 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 much of its time on the lower levels, moving across sand in small groups and using its barbels to locate food. When settled, Smudge Spot Corys are active but not disruptive, 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 repeated frantic surface visits can indicate poor oxygenation or water quality issues.

Care Notes:

Add Smudge Spot Corys only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide soft sand, clean water, peaceful tank mates and regular maintenance.

This species can suffer barbel damage or infection if kept on sharp or dirty substrate. Keep them in a proper group and make sure food reaches the bottom, especially in busy community aquariums. Stable water quality and low stress are important for long-term health.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

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.