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Boeseman's cory

Hoplisoma boesemani

Also known as Corydoras boesemani, Boeseman's catfish

FreshwaterFish
Boeseman's cory (Hoplisoma boesemani)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH
5.8–7.2
Adult size
2.2 in (5.5 cm)
Minimum tank
16 gal (60 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Coastal rivers of Suriname
Family
Callichthyidae

Overview

A shoal of six in 60 liters over soft sand is the baseline. It eats sinking granules, wafers, and frozen foods without fuss. Suriname exports are uncommon, so most fish are pricey wild imports; acclimate them slowly and keep water spotless. Breeding reports are rare and follow the standard cool-change cory method.

In the wild

Boeseman's cory lives in Suriname's coastal river systems, in clear and tea-stained creeks over sand and fine gravel. It is a Guiana Shield fish that likes clean, oxygen-rich water. Keep it on sand with wood and leaves at 23 to 27 degrees Celsius and pH 5.8 to 7.2.

Good to know

Nijssen and Isbrücker described this species in 1967, honoring the Dutch ichthyologist Marinus Boeseman. The 2024 revision moves it to Hoplisoma. Adults reach about 5.5 centimeters and wear a smart pattern of a dark saddle and reticulated flanks that varies noticeably between river populations.

Did you know

Suriname ships few aquarium fish, so a shoal of these corys is usually the rarest thing in the room despite looking politely ordinary.

Tank mates

Boeseman's cory is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Boeseman's cory need?

A Boeseman's cory needs at least 16 gal (60 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Boeseman's cory need?

Boeseman's cory are comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 5.8–7.2.

How big do Boeseman's cory get?

An adult Boeseman's cory reaches about 2.2 in (5.5 cm).

Do Boeseman's cory need a group?

Yes. Boeseman's cory are a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Corydoras · Schooling fish · Community fish · Bottom dwellers

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