Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Three-stripe Corydoras
Hoplisoma trilineatum (Cope, 1872); long known as Corydoras trilineatus
Also called Three-lined cory, Threestripe corydoras, Leopard cory, Leopard catfish, False julii corydoras
Very gentle and sociable.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.5 to 6.4 cm (2 to 3 in)123 |
| Coat | Armoured catfish (bony plates, no scales) |
| Origin | Central Amazon basin in Brazil and Colombia, the Peruvian Amazon, and coastal rivers of Suriname.231 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
Very gentle and sociable. These little catfish potter about the floor in small groups and get along with nearly all peaceful tankmates, such as small tetras and rasboras. They grow bolder and more active when kept with plenty of their own kind.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Three-stripe Corydoras. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Looks how to spot one
Armoured catfish (bony plates, no scales)
A small, rounded bottom-dweller clad in bony plates, with short barbels around the mouth for sifting through sand. The pale body is covered in a dark, net-like pattern on the head and fine markings on the flanks, with a bold dark line running along each side. Females are rounder and a little larger than males, especially when carrying eggs. The fin spines are stiff, so a soft net is kindest when moving one.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A busy bottom forager that spends most of its time nosing through the substrate. It also darts to the surface now and then for a gulp of air, which is normal behaviour for this group.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep a soft sand substrate so the barbels can dig comfortably, and keep the water clean with regular partial changes. Handle gently because of the stiff fin spines.1
Home where they are happiest
Minimum footprint of about 45 x 30 cm (roughly 41 litres) for a small group, with a 60 cm tank recommended by FishBase. Water 22 to 26 C, pH about 5.8 to 8.0, soft to moderately hard water (about 1 to 19 dGH across sources). Sand, some plants and hiding spots suit it well.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. A good sinking pellet or tablet as the staple, plus live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm. In the wild it eats worms, small crustaceans, insects and plant matter.132
Company who they like around
A shoaling fish best kept in a group of at least five or six; larger groups are more confident and natural.12
The story where it all began
Edward Drinker Cope described this fish in 1872. It became a staple of the aquarium trade and is very often sold under the name julii cory, which belongs to a similar-looking relative. In 2025 a large genetic study moved it into the genus Hoplisoma.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Most fish sold as 'julii corydoras' are actually this species; the two are told apart mainly by the net-like head pattern versus fine spots.1
- 2
When spawning, the female cups two to four eggs between her pelvic fins while the male fertilises them, then sticks them onto a plant or glass, repeating until about 100 eggs are laid.2
- 3
It can breathe air: a specially adapted gut lets it take oxygen from gulps of air taken at the surface.1
- 4
It is regarded as one of the easiest corydoras to spawn, and the eggs hatch in about three to five days.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 15 October 2020)2
- Taxonomy
- Moved from Corydoras to the genus Hoplisoma in the 2025 phylogenomic revision of the corydoras catfishes3
- Family
- Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes), subfamily Corydoradinae3
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Three-stripe Corydoras?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Watch that all food is eaten within a few minutes to keep the water clean.13 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Three-stripe Corydoras eat, and what should it never eat?
It is an omnivore that enjoys sinking pellets or tablets as a staple, plus live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm. Never feed anything that floats or is too large for its small mouth, and avoid foods that could foul the water.132
How much space does a Three-stripe Corydoras need?
A minimum footprint of about 45 x 30 cm (roughly 41 litres) for a small group, with a 60 cm tank recommended by FishBase. More space is better for a larger shoal.12
What temperature, light or water does a Three-stripe Corydoras need?
Keep water at 22 to 26°C, pH about 5.8 to 8.0, and soft to moderately hard water (1 to 19 dGH). Normal aquarium lighting is fine, and provide hiding spots with plants and sand substrate.12
How often should I clean a Three-stripe Corydoras's home?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Regular partial changes keep the water clean and the barbels healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Three-stripe Corydoras live with others?
Yes, it is very gentle and sociable, and gets along with nearly all peaceful tankmates like small tetras and rasboras. It is a shoaling fish best kept in a group of at least five or six of its own kind.12
How long does a Three-stripe Corydoras live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Three-stripe Corydoras?
Handling is not recommended because the fin spines are stiff and can cause injury. If you must move one, use a soft net and be very gentle.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Seriously Fish: Corydoras trilineatus seriouslyfish.comused for care, size, temperament, breeding, identification
- FishBase: Hoplisoma trilineatum fishbase.seused for valid name, length, water parameters, IUCN status, spawning
- Wikipedia: Threestripe corydoras en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, distribution, colour, history
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.