CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish – Hoplisoma sp. CW111

The CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish (Hoplisoma sp. CW111) is one of the most desirable specialty Cory-type catfish in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Its dramatic high-contrast pattern, unusual collector status, and distinctive adult finnage make it especially appealing to serious Cory keepers.

Also known as the Vulcan Cory, CW111 Cory, Zebra Cory CW111, or historically in some hobby circles as the Bonita Cory, this fish has a pale cream-to-silver body covered with irregular dark brown or black markings. The caudal fin is crossed by multiple dark bands, creating a striking zebra-like appearance.

Mature males can become especially impressive because the dorsal fin may develop into a noticeably taller and more extended profile. Females are typically larger and fuller-bodied.

Taxonomy note: CW111 remains an undescribed Corydoradinae catfish and therefore does not yet have a formal species epithet. Following the modern revision of Corydoradinae, Corydoras World places CW111 within the resurrected genus Hoplisoma, making Hoplisoma sp. CW111 the current hobby classification. Older aquarium references may still list it as Corydoras sp. CW111.

CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish Care Information

What Does a CW111 Vulcan Cory Look Like?

The CW111 Vulcan Cory has a pale cream, ivory, or light silver base color covered with irregular dark brown-to-black marbled markings.

These markings can form broken stripes, saddles, and irregular patches across the body, producing a dramatic high-contrast appearance. The pattern is especially noticeable across the head and upper body.

The dorsal fin typically contains a strong dark marking, while the tail can display multiple horizontal or vertical-looking dark bands, creating the zebra-like pattern responsible for one of the fish's alternative hobby names.

Individual patterning can vary naturally, making each CW111 slightly different. Juveniles may also change significantly in pattern and body proportions as they mature.

The Impressive Dorsal Fin of the Vulcan Cory

One of the most impressive features of mature Hoplisoma sp. CW111 is the dorsal fin, particularly in males.

Mature males may develop a noticeably taller and more pointed dorsal fin compared with females. In well-conditioned adult males, this extended fin can create a dramatic sail-like appearance that adds considerably to the collector appeal of CW111.

Females are generally fuller-bodied and can become slightly larger, especially when viewed from above.

Why Is the CW111 Vulcan Cory Considered Rare?

CW111 is considered a specialty collector Cory because availability in the aquarium trade is limited compared with common species such as Panda, Bronze, Sterbai, or Peppered Corys.

The fish is still known by its CW number rather than a formally described species name, and wild-origin stock from Brazil has historically had limited availability. Captive breeding by dedicated Cory enthusiasts has helped establish the fish within the hobby, but CW111 remains uncommon and highly sought after.

The terms “rare” and “exotic” in the aquarium trade refer primarily to its limited availability and collector appeal. They should not automatically be interpreted as a statement about formal conservation status.

What Does CW111 Mean?

CW111 is a hobby identification code used for this distinctive undescribed Corydoradinae catfish.

CW numbers help aquarists, breeders, importers, and researchers consistently identify visually distinct Cory-type catfish before they receive formal scientific species descriptions.

Because multiple undescribed Corys may look similar, retaining the complete CW111 designation is especially important when purchasing, breeding, or documenting this fish.

CW111 Vulcan Cory vs. CW146

CW111 has historically been compared with CW146 because both forms can display very similar high-contrast patterns.

The similarities are strong enough that specialist literature has compared their adults, eggs, fry, and juvenile development. Their precise relationship has been the subject of ongoing taxonomic interest.

Because visual identification can be difficult, collector fish should ideally be obtained from sources that maintain accurate CW-number records rather than identifying specimens from pattern alone.

CW111 Vulcan Cory Behavior & Group Size

Vulcan Corys are peaceful, social bottom-dwelling fish and should not be kept alone.

We recommend keeping at least 6 CW111 Vulcan Corys, with a group of 8 or more preferred whenever aquarium size and availability allow.

In a proper group, they can often be seen exploring fine sand together, searching for food, resting near driftwood or plants, and moving around the aquarium floor as a loose school.

Larger groups may encourage more confident behavior and provide a more natural social environment, especially for a species that can initially be shy after transport or introduction to a new aquarium.

Like other Cory-type catfish, CW111 may occasionally swim rapidly to the surface to take a gulp of atmospheric air before returning to the bottom. Occasional surface visits are normal Cory behavior.

Ideal Aquarium Setup for CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish

A 20-gallon long aquarium or larger provides a practical starting point for a small group of Vulcan Corys. Larger aquariums provide more useful bottom area and are preferred for groups of eight or more.

Tank footprint is especially important because CW111 spends most of its time exploring the lower portion of the aquarium.

A fine sand substrate is strongly recommended. Smooth rounded fine gravel may also be used when kept very clean, but sharp or abrasive materials should be avoided because Corys search through the substrate using sensitive barbels.

Driftwood, smooth stones, live plants, leaf litter, and shaded areas can provide cover, while open sections of fine sand give the group room to forage naturally.

Natural Habitat of the CW111 Vulcan Cory

CW111 is known from the upper Rio Curuá in Pará, Brazil, within the Iriri and Xingu drainage system.

The region contains clear, oxygen-rich waterways with areas of sand, gravel, smooth stones, submerged material, and accumulated leaf litter. Seasonal changes in water level can significantly alter these environments.

An aquarium does not need to perfectly reproduce the wild habitat, but clean oxygen-rich water, fine substrate, natural cover, and good water movement can create an appropriate environment.

CW111 Vulcan Cory Water Parameters

CW111 Vulcan Corys can generally be maintained at approximately 68–79°F (20–26°C) with a pH around 6.0–7.2.

Soft to moderately soft water is a good choice, particularly for wild-origin specimens. However, stable water conditions are more important than constantly adjusting the aquarium to reach an exact number.

Keep CW111 in a fully cycled aquarium with good biological filtration, strong oxygenation, and regular water changes. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero.

Because rare Cory imports may experience significant shipping stress, excellent water quality and a mature aquarium are especially important during acclimation.

What Do CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish Eat?

CW111 Vulcan Corys are omnivorous foragers and should receive a varied diet containing high-quality prepared foods as well as protein-rich frozen or live foods.

Suitable foods may include:

• High-quality sinking Cory pellets
• Bottom-feeder tablets
• Frozen or live bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Tubifex
• Blackworms or similar appropriately sized foods

A varied diet is particularly useful for maintaining good body condition and preparing mature adults for spawning.

CW111 Vulcan Cory Tank Mates

The peaceful temperament of the CW111 Vulcan Cory makes it suitable for carefully planned freshwater community aquariums.

Potential tank mates may include peaceful tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, small peaceful characins, compatible dwarf cichlids, other suitable Cory-type catfish, and other non-aggressive freshwater fish with overlapping water requirements.

Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive bottom dwellers, and highly competitive species that may intimidate CW111 or prevent the Corys from reaching enough food.

Male vs. Female CW111 Vulcan Cory

Mature CW111 show several useful differences between the sexes.

Females are generally larger, deeper-bodied, and noticeably fuller around the abdomen, especially when viewed from above.

Males tend to remain slimmer and can develop more pointed fin tips. Mature males are particularly known for developing an impressive extended dorsal fin, which may become especially noticeable when the fish are in breeding condition.

Why Choose CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish?

• Rare and highly sought-after collector Cory
• Bold cream, black, and dark-brown zebra-like pattern
• Beautiful banded caudal fin
• Impressive extended dorsal fin in mature males
• Peaceful temperament for carefully planned community tanks
• Active and entertaining bottom-dwelling behavior
• Excellent addition to specialty Cory collections
• Social behavior when maintained in a proper group
• Undescribed CW-number fish with strong collector appeal

CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish FAQ

What is a CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish?

CW111 Vulcan Cory is an undescribed Corydoradinae catfish from Brazil currently identified in the hobby as Hoplisoma sp. CW111. It is known for its high-contrast cream-and-dark pattern, banded tail, peaceful temperament, and impressive adult dorsal fin.

What does CW111 mean?

CW111 is a hobby identification code assigned to this distinctive undescribed Cory-type catfish. CW numbers allow aquarists, breeders, and researchers to consistently identify fish that have not yet received formal scientific species names.

Is CW111 a Corydoras or Hoplisoma?

Older aquarium references commonly list this fish as Corydoras sp. CW111. Following the modern Corydoradinae classification, specialist references such as Corydoras World place CW111 within the genus Hoplisoma, so it is now commonly written as Hoplisoma sp. CW111.

Is the CW111 Vulcan Cory rare?

CW111 is a specialty collector Cory and remains much less commonly available than mainstream Cory species. Limited imports and relatively small captive-breeding populations contribute to its high collector demand and limited aquarium-trade availability.

How big do CW111 Vulcan Corys get?

Adult males are commonly reported around 1.5 inches, while females can approach approximately 1.75–2 inches. Mature females are usually fuller-bodied than males.

How many CW111 Vulcan Corys should be kept together?

Keep CW111 in a group of at least 6 fish. When aquarium size and availability permit, groups of 8 or more can provide even stronger social behavior and a more natural schooling environment.

What temperature is best for CW111 Vulcan Corys?

A practical aquarium temperature range for CW111 is approximately 68–79°F (20–26°C). Clean, oxygen-rich, stable water is particularly important for this specialty Cory.

Where do CW111 Vulcan Corys come from?

CW111 is known from the upper Rio Curuá in Pará, Brazil, within the Iriri and Xingu drainage system.

Why do male CW111 Vulcan Corys have large dorsal fins?

Mature males can develop noticeably elongated and pointed dorsal fins, especially as they reach breeding condition. This adult male finnage is one of the most distinctive visual features of the Vulcan Cory.

Is CW111 the same as CW146?

CW111 and CW146 are separate CW-coded forms, although they can look remarkably similar. Specialist literature has compared their adults, eggs, fry, and juvenile development because of their similar appearance. Accurate provenance and CW-number records are therefore important when purchasing collector fish.

Are CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish peaceful?

Yes. CW111 is a peaceful, social Cory that can work well in carefully planned community aquariums containing other non-aggressive species with compatible water requirements.

What do CW111 Vulcan Cory Catfish eat?

CW111 Vulcan Corys are omnivorous foragers. Feed a varied diet containing quality sinking pellets or tablets supplemented with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, Tubifex, and blackworms.

Do CW111 Vulcan Corys clean the aquarium?

CW111 naturally forage along the aquarium floor, but they should not be considered aquarium maintenance animals. They require intentional feeding with nutritious foods along with regular water changes and normal substrate cleaning.