Emerald Corydoras care guide
Emerald Corydoras (Brochis splendens) — minimum tank 100 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Overview
The Emerald Corydoras (Brochis splendens, also placed in Corydoras as C. splendens) is a stout armoured catfish from the upper Amazon basin. Adults display a metallic green or bronze body and a comparatively large dorsal fin with many rays.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Brochis
- Scientific name: Brochis splendens
- Common synonyms: Emerald Catfish, Green Catfish
Habitat
Native to small, slow-flowing streams and flooded forests of the upper Amazon drainage in Peru, Ecuador and Brazil, with soft, slightly acidic water and abundant leaf litter.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26.4 US gal)
- Adult size: 7-9 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
A bottom-feeding omnivore. Offer sinking pellets, granules and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and daphnia. The species sifts sandy substrate for invertebrates.
Compatibility
A peaceful shoaling species best kept in groups of at least six. Suitable tankmates include peaceful characins, dwarf cichlids and similarly sized loricariids.
Breeding
Egg-laying. Spawning is induced by cool water changes and high-protein feeding; adhesive eggs are placed on plants and tank glass.