[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Common Brochis (Brochis splendens)

Of all its common names, the one that fits this species best is Emerald Brochis. It is a truly beautiful species that can be found in at least two (named) naturally occurring color forms—spotted and black—in addition to the more usual emerald one. Of the three Brochis species, this is the one that has been in the hobby longest, having first been imported in the late 1930s.

Other common names

• Emerald, Short-bodied, or Sailfin Brochis/ Corydoras/Catfish

Synonym

• Brochis coeruleus

Family

• Callichthyidae Subfamily: Corydoradinae Distribution: Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. Size: Up to 3in (8cm).

Behavior

• Peaceful shoaler that, despite its size, can be kept with small tankmates.

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted.

Aquarium

• Roomy, well planted, with open areas as well as hiding places. Substratum fine grained, with no sharp edges on which the fish could damage their mouths and/ or barbels. Water chemistry not critical, but quality must be good. Temperature range: 70-82 F (21-28 C).

Breeding

• Challenging in aquaria. Eggs deposited on the undersides of broadleaved plants (egg deposition among floating plants has also been reported). No parental care is exhibited, and hatching takes about 4 days.