Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Julii Corydoras
Hoplisoma julii (Steindachner, 1906); long known as Corydoras julii
Also called Julii cory, Leopard corydoras, Leopard catfish, Corydoras julii (former name)
From The lower Amazon and coastal rivers of north-eastern Brazil, including the Parnaíba basin and rivers of Pará, Maranhão, Piauí and Amapá.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Standard length; FishBase and Wikipedia 5.2 cm, Seriously Fish 5.5 cm.
Looks how to spot one
Armoured catfish (bony plates, no scales)
A neat, compact armoured catfish with a translucent whitish-grey body covered in fine, distinct black spots, including tiny spots on the head, and a dark line along the middle of the flank. The look is often compared to a leopard. Females grow a little larger and deeper-bodied than males.31
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and gregarious. Julii corys forage in little groups, keeping up a steady, cheerful bustle over the sand without bothering other fish.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Busy bottom scavengers that need open sand to sift and occasional access to the surface for a gulp of air.324
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Water: 20 to 26 C per Seriously Fish (FishBase 23 to 26 C), pH 5.5 to 7.5, hardness 2 to 12 dGH. Keep fine sand clean with regular partial water changes.12
Home where they are happiest
A tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm (about 81 litres), fine sand and some cover from plants, roots or rocks.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous foragers that eat worms, small crustaceans, insects and plant matter in the wild. In the aquarium offer sinking dried foods plus small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm.21
Company who they like around
Keep a group of at least four to six. They mix well with other small, peaceful community fish.13
The story where it all began
Steindachner described the species in 1906. For decades it has been confused in the hobby with the very similar three-lined cory, and many fish sold under its name are in fact that species.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Many fish sold as julii corys are actually the look-alike three-lined cory; the true julii has finer, more distinct spots on the head.1
- 2
Like its relatives it breeds in a 'T position', with the female's mouth against the male's belly.3
- 3
In the wild, spawning tends to be triggered by storms and fresh rain.3
- 4
Exports of corydoras-type catfish are huge: over 8.6 million were exported from Amazonas state alone between 2006 and 2015.4
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018)2
- Taxonomy
- Described by Steindachner in 1906; now placed in the resurrected genus Hoplisoma after a 2025 phylogenomic study5
- Trade note
- Many fish sold as julii are actually the similar three-lined cory, Corydoras trilineatus1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Julii Corydoras. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Julii Corydoras?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, and you can adjust based on how much your fish eats in a few minutes.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Julii Corydoras eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivorous foragers that enjoy sinking dried foods plus small live or frozen foods like bloodworm. Never feed them large, floating foods or anything that could harm their delicate barbels.21
How much space does a Julii Corydoras need?
A tank with a base of at least 90 x 30 cm (about 81 litres) is recommended. They need fine sand and some cover from plants, roots, or rocks.1
What temperature, light or water does a Julii Corydoras need?
Keep water between 20 to 26°C, pH 5.5 to 7.5, and hardness 2 to 12 dGH. They prefer gentle lighting and clean, well-filtered water.12
How often should I clean a Julii Corydoras's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Always use a gravel vacuum to keep the sand clean. Furry Diary plan
Can a Julii Corydoras live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and gregarious. Keep a group of at least four to six, and they mix well with other small, peaceful community fish.13
How long does a Julii Corydoras live?
Lifespan varies, but with good care they can live several years. For exact numbers, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Julii Corydoras?
It is best not to handle them as they have bony plates and no scales, making them sensitive. Use a soft net only when necessary, and avoid touching them with dry hands.31
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Seriously Fish: Corydoras julii seriouslyfish.comused for range, size, care, behaviour, diet, trade confusion
- FishBase: Hoplisoma julii fishbase.seused for valid name, size, range, environment, diet, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Corydoras julii en.wikipedia.orgused for names, colour, breeding facts
- Wikipedia: Corydoras en.wikipedia.orgused for air breathing, export figures
- Wikipedia: Hoplisoma en.wikipedia.orgused for genus change
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.