CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish – Hoplisoma sp. CW028

The CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish (Hoplisoma sp. CW028) is a highly attractive Cory-type catfish known for its strong black-and-white contrast and distinctive collector status.

Also sold as the Super Schwartzi Cory, CW028 Cory, White Spine Cory, or Super Schwartzi Rio Purus Cory, this fish resembles the classic Schwartz's Cory but develops a heavier and more dramatic body pattern.

The pale body is crossed by prominent dark longitudinal markings, while the dorsal and pectoral-fin spines can appear bright cream or white. Mature, well-conditioned specimens can look especially striking over dark backgrounds or natural-colored sand.

Taxonomy note: CW028 remains an undescribed species. It was historically sold as Corydoras sp. CW028, but following the 2024 revision of Corydoradinae, its lineage is now placed in the resurrected genus Hoplisoma. The appropriate current hobby designation is Hoplisoma sp. CW028.

CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish Care Information

What Does a CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Look Like?

The CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory has a pale cream, silver, beige, or light gray body contrasted by strong dark longitudinal markings.

The pattern typically consists of two prominent dark lines running along the body, giving CW028 a much bolder appearance than many similar Cory forms.

Dark markings may also appear across the head and around the eye, while the pale dorsal and pectoral-fin spines can create a dramatic white-on-black contrast.

Individual fish can vary in stripe width, darkness, and overall contrast depending on genetics, maturity, condition, aquarium lighting, and stress level.

Why Is CW028 Called the Super Schwartzi Cory?

The trade name Super Schwartzi Cory comes from the resemblance between CW028 and the well-known Schwartz's Cory (Hoplisoma schwartzi).

CW028 generally appears more heavily patterned, with stronger longitudinal dark markings and especially noticeable pale dorsal and pectoral spines.

These exaggerated markings create the “Super Schwartzi” appearance that made the fish popular among Cory collectors.

CW028 Super Schwartzi vs. Regular Schwartzi Cory

CW028 should not automatically be treated as simply a large or unusually colorful version of Hoplisoma schwartzi.

The true Schwartz's Cory is a formally described species, while CW028 remains an undescribed CW-number fish.

Super Schwartzi typically has stronger, more continuous dark longitudinal markings and prominent pale fin spines, giving it a heavier and more dramatic pattern than standard H. schwartzi.

Maintaining the CW028 identification is therefore important, particularly for collectors and breeders who want to preserve locality and lineage information.

CW028 Super Schwartzi vs. Brochis Pulchra

CW028 occurs in the same or overlapping geographic region as Brochis pulchra, and the two can appear similar.

One of the most useful visual distinctions described by specialist Cory references is the number of dark body lines: CW028 typically has two dark longitudinal lines, while Brochis pulchra generally has a single dominant dark line along the body.

They also belong to different evolutionary lineages and are currently placed in different genera, making accurate identification important.

Why Is CW028 Also Called the White Spine Cory?

Another aquarium-trade name for CW028 is the White Spine Cory.

This refers to the prominent light cream or whitish leading spines of the dorsal and pectoral fins, which stand out strongly against the dark body markings.

These pale spines are especially noticeable in mature, well-conditioned specimens and contribute significantly to the dramatic appearance associated with the Super Schwartzi name.

Why Is CW028 Now Hoplisoma sp. CW028?

CW028 was historically listed in the aquarium hobby as Corydoras sp. CW028.

Phylogenetic research showed that the traditional genus Corydoras contained multiple distinct evolutionary lineages. The major 2024 revision of Corydoradinae resurrected the genus Hoplisoma for the large short-snouted lineage that includes CW028.

Because CW028 still has not received a formal species description, its appropriate modern designation is Hoplisoma sp. CW028.

What Does CW028 Mean?

CW028 is the Corydoras World identification number assigned to this undescribed fish.

CW numbers allow aquarists, importers, breeders, and researchers to consistently identify distinctive Corydoradinae populations before formal scientific descriptions are available.

For a fish such as Super Schwartzi, the CW number is particularly useful because several similar striped species and forms occur within the Rio Purus region.

Is the CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Rare?

CW028 is generally considered a specialty collector Cory in the aquarium trade. It is less consistently available than common species such as Panda, Bronze, Sterbai, or Peppered Corys.

Availability can vary according to imports and captive breeding, and high-quality correctly identified groups can be especially desirable among Cory enthusiasts.

The term “rare” here refers to aquarium-trade availability and should not be interpreted as a formal conservation-status designation.

CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Behavior & Group Size

Super Schwartzi Corys are peaceful, social bottom-dwelling fish and should not be maintained alone.

Keep at least 6 CW028 Super Schwartzi Corys together. A proper group encourages more confident movement, natural foraging, and social interaction.

In a comfortable aquarium, they can often be seen moving together over open sand, resting under driftwood or plants, and searching through the substrate for food.

Like other Cory-type catfish, CW028 may occasionally swim rapidly to the surface to gulp atmospheric air before returning to the bottom. Occasional surface visits are normal Cory behavior.

Ideal Aquarium Setup for CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish

Because mature females can approach approximately 2.75 inches, a 30-gallon or larger freshwater aquarium provides a comfortable starting point for a proper group.

Horizontal bottom space is especially important. A longer aquarium provides more usable foraging area than a tall aquarium with a small footprint.

A fine sand substrate is ideal. Smooth rounded fine gravel may also be used if carefully maintained, but sharp or abrasive substrate should be avoided.

Driftwood, smooth rocks, live plants, dried leaves, and shaded areas can provide shelter while leaving open sections of sand available for natural group-foraging behavior.

Moderate water movement and strong surface agitation can help maintain the clean, oxygen-rich conditions favored by active Cory-type catfish.

Where Do CW028 Super Schwartzi Corys Come From?

CW028 is associated with the Rio Purus drainage of South America.

Specialist references list CW028 from the Rio Purus system, while aquarium-trade locality information may also refer to lower Rio Purus and nearby Solimões-region material.

Because CW028 remains undescribed and locality information in the aquarium trade has not always been recorded consistently, maintaining reliable importer and breeder records is especially valuable.

The Rio Purus region contains several visually similar Corydoradinae species, making accurate CW-number identification important for long-term breeding programs.

CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Water Parameters

Specialist husbandry references recommend approximately 67–77°F (20–25°C) with a pH around 6.0–7.2.

CW028 does not require extreme water chemistry, but it benefits from clean, stable, well-oxygenated water.

Keep the aquarium fully cycled with effective biological filtration and regular water changes. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero.

Avoid keeping Super Schwartzi Corys permanently at unnecessarily high tropical temperatures when suitable tank mates allow a cooler low-to-mid-70s°F environment.

What Do CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish Eat?

Super Schwartzi Corys are omnivorous bottom foragers and should receive a varied diet specifically provided for them.

High-quality sinking pellets, tablets, granules, or wafers can form the foundation of the diet. Supplement prepared foods with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as:

• Bloodworms
• Blackworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Tubifex
• Other nutritious sinking foods

A varied diet helps support healthy body condition, growth, breeding condition, and strong natural contrast.

CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Tank Mates

The peaceful temperament of the CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish makes it suitable for many freshwater community aquariums.

Good tank mates may include peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, small-to-medium community fish, and other compatible Cory-type catfish with similar temperature requirements.

Avoid large predatory fish, highly territorial bottom dwellers, and aggressive species that may chase, injure, or prevent the CW028 group from feeding comfortably.

Male vs. Female CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory

Mature males and females are easiest to distinguish once the fish reach adult size and good body condition.

Adult males generally remain smaller and slimmer, reaching around 2.5 inches.

Adult females may reach around 2.75 inches and develop a broader, rounder body, particularly when viewed from above.

Sexing juveniles can be difficult, so mature body shape is generally more reliable than coloration alone.

Why Choose CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish?

• Bold double-line body pattern
• Distinctive pale or white dorsal and pectoral spines
• Dramatic black-and-cream contrast
• Historic CW028 collector identification
• Peaceful social temperament
• Impressive adult size up to approximately 2.75 inches
• Active bottom-foraging behavior
• Interesting Rio Purus locality lineage
• Excellent choice for serious Cory and Hoplisoma enthusiasts

CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish FAQ

What is a CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish?

CW028 Super Schwartzi is an undescribed Cory-type catfish associated with the Rio Purus drainage. It is recognized by its pale body, strong dark longitudinal lines, prominent pale fin spines, and resemblance to the regular Schwartz's Cory.

Is CW028 now Hoplisoma sp. CW028?

Yes. CW028 was historically listed as Corydoras sp. CW028. Following the 2024 revision of Corydoradinae, its lineage was placed in the resurrected genus Hoplisoma, making Hoplisoma sp. CW028 the appropriate modern designation.

What does CW028 mean?

CW028 is the Corydoras World identification number assigned to this undescribed fish. The number allows aquarists, breeders, and importers to consistently distinguish it from similar Cory-type catfish.

Why is CW028 called Super Schwartzi?

CW028 resembles Hoplisoma schwartzi but generally develops stronger longitudinal body lines and more dramatic pale fin spines, producing the exaggerated “Super Schwartzi” appearance.

Is CW028 the same as Hoplisoma schwartzi?

No. Hoplisoma schwartzi is a formally described species, while CW028 remains an undescribed CW-number fish. They are visually similar, but CW028 should retain its own identification.

What is the difference between CW028 and Brochis pulchra?

One useful identification difference is that CW028 typically has two prominent dark body lines, while Brochis pulchra generally displays one dominant dark longitudinal line. They also belong to different taxonomic lineages.

Why is CW028 called the White Spine Cory?

CW028 can develop prominent pale cream or whitish dorsal and pectoral-fin spines. These bright spines contrast strongly with the dark body markings and inspired the White Spine Cory trade name.

How big do CW028 Super Schwartzi Corys get?

Specialist records give approximately 2.5 inches for adult males and up to around 2.75 inches for females.

How many CW028 Super Schwartzi Corys should be kept together?

Keep at least 6 CW028 Super Schwartzi Corys together. They are naturally social and generally display more confident and active behavior in a proper group.

What temperature is best for CW028 Super Schwartzi Corys?

Specialist husbandry references recommend approximately 67–77°F (20–25°C), with a pH around 6.0–7.2.

Where do CW028 Super Schwartzi Corys come from?

CW028 is associated with the Rio Purus drainage. Specialist records list the Rio Purus system, while aquarium imports are also sometimes labeled with lower-Purus or nearby Solimões-region locality information.

Is CW028 Super Schwartzi rare?

CW028 is relatively uncommon in the aquarium trade compared with mainstream Cory species and is generally considered a specialty collector fish. This refers to aquarium availability rather than a formal conservation category.

Are CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish peaceful?

Yes. CW028 is a peaceful social catfish and works well with calm freshwater community species that share compatible temperature and water requirements.

What do CW028 Super Schwartzi Cory Catfish eat?

Feed a varied diet containing quality sinking pellets, tablets, granules, or wafers supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and Tubifex.

Do CW028 Super Schwartzi Corys clean the aquarium?

CW028 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.