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Many-spotted cory

Hoplisoma polystictum

Also known as Corydoras polystictus, Polystictus cory

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
1.6 in (4 cm)
Minimum tank
15 gal (55 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Upper Rio Paraguay basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil and Bolivia
Family
Callichthyidae

Overview

A shoal of six or more in 55 liters over sand shows constant, busy foraging. Fine sinking granules and small frozen foods suit its mouth size. It breeds in captivity along standard lines and tolerates room-temperature dips better than Amazon species, making it a candidate for lightly heated setups.

In the wild

The many-spotted cory comes from the upper Paraguay basin around the Pantanal's fringes, in clear pools and vegetated stream margins over sand. It handles mild seasonal cooling. Keep it at 22 to 27 degrees Celsius, pH 6.0 to 7.5, over fine sand with some plant thickets.

Good to know

Regan described this species in 1912; the 2024 revision lists it as Hoplisoma polystictum. The name means many-spotted, and the fish delivers: a fine spray of dark dots covers the head and body of a fish that tops out around 4 centimeters. It is one of the small classics of the southern cory fauna.

Did you know

It packs more spots per centimeter than nearly any cory, a pointillist paint job on one of the family's smallest canvases.

Tank mates

Many-spotted 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 Many-spotted cory need?

A Many-spotted cory needs at least 15 gal (55 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Many-spotted cory need?

Many-spotted cory are comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big do Many-spotted cory get?

An adult Many-spotted cory reaches about 1.6 in (4 cm).

Do Many-spotted cory need a group?

Yes. Many-spotted 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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