Shallow, densely vegetated areas of the Amazon River Basin. Most specimens offered for sale in the trade are captive-bred.
Maximum Size
8cm (3.15")
Temperature
22-27°C
Water Parameters
Captive-raised specimens will acclimatise to a wide range of water conditions, providing that good water quality is maintained.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Females larger and slightly plumper.
Feeding
Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Emerald Catfish is ideal for the community aquarium. Must be kept on a soft sand substrate and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to shoaling nature. Some shady planted areas should be provided. These catfish 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. Brochis splendens may be distinguished from Corydoras species by the presence of more dorsal fin rays. However, it has fewer dorsal fin rays than the other two species of Brochis. May also be seen on sale as Green 'Cory'.
*Brochis is currently a synonym of Corydoras but future taxonomic work is likely to see the genus revalidated.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.
Breeding
Fairly difficult " should be attempted in soft water. Mature groups consisting of one male and several females can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. The adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, decor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs generally take 4-5 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. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited. The juveniles of this species bear no resemblance to the adults " the dorsal fin appearing very oversized and of a red colouration, and the body colour being quite mottled.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here