Hoplisoma nattereri is one of the armored catfish species that became known in the aquarium hobby quite early on. This species was first introduced to Europe around 1920 from the area around Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It is found in the coastal regions of the entire state of Rio de Janeiro as well as in the state of São Paulo. Characteristic features of the species include: colorless fins, a dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin, and a longitudinal band running down the center of the body, starting at the gill cover and extending to the base of the caudal fin. The back is slightly darker than the overall coloration. The maximum length of this species is 6–7 cm, with females growing larger than males.
There are two or three species that can be confused with H. nattereri. One is the long-snouted Scleromystax prionotos, which occurs alongside it (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/scleromystax-prionotos-2/). There is also a species with nearly identical coloration found in the states of Espírito Santo and Bahia. It has been assigned the CW number CW165. CW165 differs from H. nattereri in its mottled dorsal pattern and dark spots below the longitudinal band. And then there is Hoplisoma baderi, which looks practically identical to H. nattereri but lacks the black spot at the base of the dorsal fin. H. baderi is found in Brazil in the state of Pará (Rio Paru do Oreste) and in the Guianas—Suriname and French Guiana (drainage of the Maroni River).
The care and breeding of Hoplisoma nattereri are entirely consistent with those of the most well-known aquarium armored catfish of all, namely Hoplisoma paleatum (peppered corydoras). Temperatures between 16 and 26°C (varying seasonally); at least in some areas, the substrate should consist of soft sand; they will eat any standard ornamental fish food of suitable size; any tap water is suitable for their care. These completely peaceful fish should ideally be kept in a group of their own kind (6 or more individuals).
For our customers: Hoplisoma nattereri is listed on our stocklist under codes 237501 (sm) through 237505 (xlg), depending on size. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesale customers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
