Care
The Duplicate Cory is known from the upper Rio Negro basin in Brazil.
This peaceful species is ideal for the mature softwater aquarium, and should be maintained in groups of 5 or more due to shoaling nature. Unfortunately, it can be a little prone to barbel infections/erosion, so it is of paramount importance that the fish are kept on a soft sand substrate (rather than gravel where waste can build up unseen) in order to protect these delicate sensory organs. Regular maintenance, including frequent partial water changes, should be carried out in order to keep these fish in good condition. Provide plenty of shady areas amongst driftwood, rocks, and areas of dense planting. Other peaceful species such as some of the smaller pencilfish, tetra, and rasboras make ideal tankmates, and their presence as dither fish in midwater will encourage the Corys out into view more often. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. It may do this numerous times per day.
This species is easily confused with H. adolfoi with which it occurs sympatrically, and the specific epithet duplicareum is from the Latin meaning to duplicate, in allusion to the similar colour patterns. They can be very difficult to tell apart, as although duplicareum has serrations on the posterior edge of the pectoral fin spines (adolfoi does not), these are not easily seen by eye, and may require viewing from below with a magnifying glass. duplicareum generally tends to be slightly stockier than adolfoi, and the oblique black dorsal band is often broader in duplicareum. However, there is a degree of overlap in variation of colour and markings, so these should not be relied upon completely. Thanks to its bolder markings, duplicate corys are more widely bred commercially and so tend to be more frequently seen, often mislabelled as adofoi by the breeders themselves.
Hoplisoma was recently split from Corydoras and contains many familiar species.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae and vitamin-enriched brineshrimp.
Breeding
This species has been bred in the home aquarium. Mature pairs can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. The pair will adopt the classic "T position" where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the female's pelvic fins. The adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, decor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. Unfortunately the eggs of this species are prone to fungus, so some fishkeepers like to add a small amount of methylene blue to the breeding tank. The eggs generally take 3-4 days to hatch after which time the tiny fry should be offered finely powdered first foods. A few days later they will be able to take newly hatched brineshrimp.
