In 2009, we successfully imported a large, beautiful armored catfish from the Rio Jutai in Brazil for the first time. At the time, we referred to the animals as Corydoras sp. aff. armatus because their particularly high dorsal fin and general body shape were very reminiscent of C. armatus. However, C. armatus (current name: Hoplisoma armatus) never has a bright orange-yellow neck spot or orange-yellow gill covers like the new import. The exporters named the fish “Lessex”; later, Ian Fuller gave it the code number CW45. In 2023, the scientific description of the species was published as Corydoras colossus. Currently, C. colossus is classified in the genus Hoplisoma, so its correct name is Hoplisoma colossus.
So far, this species has only been found in the Rio Jutai. This river has dark water with a pH value of around 6 and very low hardness. The bottom usually consists of fine, white sand with larger deposits of dead leaves from land plants. The striking orange-yellow shiny areas are interpreted as a warning to potential predators, as both the dorsal fin and the pectoral fins are connected to poison-producing glands. Anyone who has ever been stung by a armored catfish knows that this can be very painful. Since the production of the poison is energy-intensive, it has proven advantageous in the course of evolution to warn potential predators first. If the predator (usually a bird) still tries to eat the fish, it experiences a painful surprise and avoids any prey with such conspicuous coloring in the future.
In the aquarium, Hoplisoma colossus are magnificent and undemanding armored catfish that adapt well to different water conditions. However, they develop their most beautiful coloration under nature-like conditions. The animals are easy-going omnivores that are very peaceful among themselves and towards other fish species. Like almost all armored catfish, H. colossus should be kept in groups. The water temperature can be between 24 and 30°C.
For our customers: the fish have code 222134 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale customers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
