Remarks:  The mega metae Hoplisoma is a sizable species of Corydoradinae rarely seen in the hobby. This is due to the fact they are mostly known to inhabit rather remote areas of the Rio Tique in Brazil. However, it has been discovered their range was broader than once thought with populations being found in the upper Rio Negro, Rio Orinoco, and other tributaries across both Brazil and Colombia. Their common name comes from the fact they look heavily similar to the bandit Hoplisoma, Hoplisoma metae. It is to the point it can be near impossible to tell the two apart with the naked eye. What separates the two is that the mega metae Hoplisoma grows larger than the bandit Hoplisoma. Some argue they are the same species with the mega metae Hoplisoma just being a locality of the bandit Hoplisoma, but this has yet to be confirmed.

  Mega metae Hoplisoma C084 were previously classified as Corydoras sp. (C084), but were reclassified as Hoplisoma sp. (C084) upon publication of a phylogenomic analysis in 2024 that reclassified many species in the Corydoradinae subfamily.

  Corydoradinae are small, peaceful catfish that are active shoalers and will stay near conspecifics, making for a lovely sight. They feed by searching through sand with their barbels, making such a substrate necessary for their long-term health. Gravel substrates tend to be abrasive and damage the barbels, leading to infections and an inability to find food.

  While these friendly catfish are willing to swim with other species of Corydoradinae different from their own, this does not provide the same social need as being kept with members of their own species. Because of this, it is highly recommended to keep at least six of each species of Corydoradinae present in the aquarium and only mix species if one has the space to keep at least six of each.

  Corydoradinae are often looked at as "scavengers," but they should be treated in a similar fashion as the rest of your fish. They are omnivores and require a mixed diet. Sinking prepared foods are readily accepted, as are frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, blackworms, and bloodworms.