{"product_id":"tailspot-cory-corydoras-caudimaculatus","title":"Tailspot Cory (Corydoras caudimaculatus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; line-height:1.75;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTailspot Cory (Hoplisoma caudimaculatum)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn uncommon small Cory known for its clean black tail spot, delicate spotted body pattern, and peaceful social behavior.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The Tailspot Cory, currently classified as \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma caudimaculatum\u003c\/em\u003e, is a small South American armored catfish from the Rio Guaporé drainage.\n    For decades it was known in the aquarium hobby as \u003cem\u003eCorydoras caudimaculatus\u003c\/em\u003e, and that older scientific name is still widely used by aquarists, exporters, and aquarium stores.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Its most recognizable feature is the well-defined dark blotch at the base of the tail.\n    Combined with a pale body covered in fine darker markings, this gives the Tailspot Cory a subtle but very distinctive appearance compared with more common Cory species.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Like other Cory-type catfish, Tailspot Corys are peaceful social bottom dwellers and should be kept in a proper group.\n    They are small enough for carefully planned community aquariums while still displaying the active foraging and group behavior that makes Corys so popular.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy this fish stands out\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDistinctive solid black spot at the base of the tail\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall adult size of approximately 4–5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFine spotting and subtle silver-beige body colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful and highly social bottom-dwelling catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMuch less commonly available than Bronze, Panda, or Sterbai Corys\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for Cory collectors and peaceful planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInteresting updated taxonomy: formerly \u003cem\u003eCorydoras caudimaculatus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCorydoras collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSouth American community tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmaller peaceful fish communities\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquariums with fine sand substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquarists looking for uncommon Corydoras in Canada\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopick Aquarium Insight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Corys are a good example of why Corydoras should not be treated simply as “bottom cleaners.”\n    They forage constantly, but that does not mean they can survive on leftovers.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A proper group, a clean soft substrate, and dedicated sinking food make a major difference to their behavior.\n    When kept in sufficient numbers, they become much more confident and spend significantly more time moving through the open areas of the aquarium.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend keeping them as a group of at least six rather than adding one or two individuals simply to occupy the bottom of the tank.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorydoras caudimaculatus or Hoplisoma caudimaculatum?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Both names refer to the same fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The species was originally described as \u003cem\u003eCorydoras caudimaculatus\u003c\/em\u003e in 1961.\n    Following the modern revision of Corydoradinae, it is now placed in the genus \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma\u003c\/em\u003e, with the accepted combination \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma caudimaculatum\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Because the aquarium hobby has used \u003cem\u003eCorydoras caudimaculatus\u003c\/em\u003e for many decades, the older name remains extremely common in stores, stock lists, searches, and hobby discussions.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Topick Aquarium therefore keeps “Corydoras caudimaculatus” in the product name for identification and search clarity while using \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma caudimaculatum\u003c\/em\u003e as the current scientific name.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Identify a Tailspot Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The defining feature of this species is the relatively clean, well-defined dark blotch on the caudal peduncle — the narrow area immediately before the tail fin.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The body is pale silver to beige with fine darker markings, creating a delicate spotted appearance.\n    The strong tail blotch remains the easiest feature for separating it from several superficially similar Cory species.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTailspot Cory vs Similis Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Cory can be confused with \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma simile\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly known as Similis Cory or Smudge Spot Cory.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTailspot Cory:\u003c\/strong\u003e has a more clearly defined, concentrated dark blotch at the base of the tail\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimilis Cory:\u003c\/strong\u003e usually has a more diffuse bluish-grey or smudged marking toward the rear of the body\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This is one of the most useful distinctions when identifying the two species in aquarium stock.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTailspot Cory vs Guapore Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Cory can also resemble the Guapore Cory because both can show a strong dark tail marking.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTailspot Cory:\u003c\/strong\u003e more typical bottom-oriented Cory body shape and behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuapore Cory:\u003c\/strong\u003e has a noticeably rounder snout and is more likely to spend time swimming above the substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Correct identification matters for collectors and breeding projects because these are separate species.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Group Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Corys are peaceful, social bottom dwellers.\n    They spend much of their time exploring sand, wood, plants, and open areas near the bottom of the aquarium.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    We recommend keeping at least \u003cstrong\u003e6 individuals\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n    Groups of \u003cstrong\u003e8–10 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e are even better when aquarium size allows.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A proper group usually results in more confident feeding, more visible activity, and more natural social behavior.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Occasional rapid trips to the surface are normal.\n    Like other Cory-type catfish, they can gulp atmospheric air before returning to the bottom.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Corys do best in a mature aquarium with a clean, soft bottom and plenty of open space for natural foraging.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e20 gallons or larger recommended for a proper group\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLonger footprint preferred over a tall narrow aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFine sand strongly recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmooth fine gravel can work if there are no sharp edges\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDriftwood, plants, leaf litter, and shaded areas provide security\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLeave open sandy areas for group foraging\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGood filtration and oxygenation recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMaintain a clean substrate without heavy waste buildup\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Fine sand allows the fish to search naturally for food using its barbels and mouth.\n    Rough or sharp gravel should be avoided because long-term abrasion and poor substrate hygiene can damage the sensitive barbels.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurrent Scientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma caudimaculatum\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormer Scientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCorydoras caudimaculatus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tailspot Cory, Tailspot Corydoras, Tail Spot Cory, Caudimaculatus Cory\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rio Guaporé \/ Iténez drainage, South America\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 22–26°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e soft to moderately hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 4–5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful and social\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beginner to Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Stable, clean water is more important than constantly adjusting the aquarium to reach one exact pH value.\n    Recently imported fish should always be acclimated carefully to avoid sudden changes in temperature or mineral content.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Corys are omnivorous bottom feeders and should receive a complete diet of their own.\n    They should never be expected to survive only on uneaten food from other fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHigh-quality sinking Cory or catfish pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFine sinking granules\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrozen bloodworms in moderation\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDaphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTubifex or blackworms from safe sources\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall live foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eVegetable-containing sinking foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    In community aquariums, make sure enough food actually reaches the substrate.\n    Fast tetras, rasboras, and livebearers can consume most of the food before Corys have a chance to feed.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Corys are excellent community fish when kept with similarly peaceful species.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall and medium peaceful tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePencilfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful rainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful gouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eApistogramma in appropriately sized structured aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOther peaceful Cory-type catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAdult freshwater shrimp in suitable setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive bottom dwellers, and highly territorial species that may prevent the Corys from feeding comfortably.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    When dwarf cichlids are breeding, remember that Corys do not understand territorial boundaries and may repeatedly enter spawning areas.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShrimp Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Corys are generally compatible with adult Neocaridina, Caridina, and Amano Shrimp.\n    They are not specialized shrimp hunters.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Extremely small newborn shrimplets may still be eaten opportunistically, as with almost any omnivorous fish.\n    A shrimp-only aquarium remains best when maximum shrimplet survival is the goal.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Corys can be bred in aquariums using methods similar to other small Cory species.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Mature females become noticeably broader and fuller-bodied than males when viewed from above.\n    Well-conditioned adults may be encouraged to spawn with fresh, slightly cooler water changes and increased oxygenation.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    During spawning, the female holds eggs between the pelvic fins before attaching them to aquarium glass, plants, or other suitable surfaces.\n    Adults do not provide parental care and may eat the eggs.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    For intentional breeding, eggs or adults can be separated after spawning.\n    Newly hatched fry require very small foods before progressing to microworms, baby brine shrimp, and fine sinking foods.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanada-Wide Live Fish Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Cory is available from Topick Aquarium in Canada when in stock.\n    Local pickup is available in Markham, Ontario, and Canada-wide live fish shipping may be available depending on weather, route, and livestock condition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The name \u003cem\u003eCorydoras caudimaculatus\u003c\/em\u003e remains extremely common in the aquarium hobby, but the currently accepted scientific combination is \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma caudimaculatum\u003c\/em\u003e.\n    Both names on this page refer to the same species.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Tailspot Corys are social fish.\n    We do not recommend purchasing a single specimen simply as a bottom cleaner.\n    A proper group, suitable substrate, and dedicated feeding are essential for natural long-term behavior.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a Tailspot Cory?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Tailspot Cory is a small South American armored catfish currently classified as \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma caudimaculatum\u003c\/em\u003e. It was formerly and is still commonly sold as \u003cem\u003eCorydoras caudimaculatus\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Corydoras caudimaculatus still the correct scientific name?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It is the former scientific combination and remains widely used in the aquarium trade. Following the modern Corydoradinae revision, the currently accepted name is \u003cem\u003eHoplisoma caudimaculatum\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is it called Tailspot Cory?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The species has a distinctive, well-defined dark blotch on the caudal peduncle immediately before the tail fin.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does Tailspot Cory get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Adults remain relatively small at approximately 4–5 cm, making this one of the more compact Cory-type catfish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many Tailspot Corys should I keep?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Keep at least 6. Groups of 8–10 or more generally show more confident and natural behavior when aquarium size allows.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Tailspot Cory the same as Similis Cory?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    No. Tailspot Cory has a more clearly defined dark tail-base blotch, while Similis Cory normally has a more diffuse bluish-grey or smudged rear-body marking.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Tailspot Cory the same as Guapore Cory?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    No. They are separate species. Guapore Cory has a more rounded snout and often spends more time swimming slightly above the substrate.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Tailspot Cory need sand?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Fine sand is strongly recommended because it supports natural substrate-sifting behavior and is gentle on the barbels. Smooth fine gravel can also work if it is kept clean and has no sharp edges.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Tailspot Cory a cleaner fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    No. It will forage for food on the bottom, but it still requires its own complete sinking diet. Corys do not replace normal aquarium maintenance.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Tailspot Cory live with shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Adult shrimp are generally compatible. Very small newborn shrimplets may still be eaten opportunistically in a community aquarium.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Tailspot Cory beginner-friendly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes, provided it is kept in a mature aquarium with clean water, suitable substrate, proper feeding, and a group of its own kind.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Topick Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"Single","offer_id":46394582991082,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"⭐ Popular • Group of 6","offer_id":46394583023850,"sku":null,"price":219.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0605\/9091\/5818\/files\/225604-corydoras-caudimaculatus-wf7.jpg?v=1792373736","url":"https:\/\/topickaquarium.com\/products\/tailspot-cory-corydoras-caudimaculatus","provider":"Topick Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}