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Carla's cory

Hoplisoma carlae

Also known as Corydoras carlae, Iguazu cory

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

Care at a glance

Temperature
68–77°F (20–25°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
2.4 in (6 cm)
Minimum tank
16 gal (60 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Lower Rio Iguazu basin, Argentina and Brazil
Family
Callichthyidae

Overview

This is the cory for an unheated or cool-running tank: six or more over sand at room temperatures that would chill Amazon species. It eats standard sinking and frozen fare. Pair it with other subtropical fish rather than warm-water tankmates. Cooling water changes mimic its natural triggers for spawning, though documented breedings are few.

In the wild

Carla's cory lives in the lower Iguazu basin below the falls region, a subtropical river that runs distinctly cooler than Amazon habitats. It forages over sand and rock in flowing water. Keep it at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, cooler than most corys, with pH 6.0 to 7.5, sand, smooth stones, and brisk, oxygen-rich flow.

Good to know

Nijssen and Isbrücker described this species in 1983; the 2024 revision lists it as Hoplisoma carlae. It reaches about 6 centimeters and comes from the same river as the famous Iguazu waterfalls, whose cataracts isolate its fauna. Its subtropical range means it experiences real seasonal temperature swings no equatorial cory ever sees.

Did you know

It swims within earshot of Iguazu Falls, and unlike most corys it genuinely prefers your fish room's coolest tank.

Tank mates

Carla'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 Carla's cory need?

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

What temperature and pH do Carla's cory need?

Carla's cory are comfortable at 68–77°F (20–25°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big do Carla's cory get?

An adult Carla's cory reaches about 2.4 in (6 cm).

Do Carla's cory need a group?

Yes. Carla'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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