Product Details

Emerald Brochis – Brochis splendens

Overview:

The Emerald Brochis is a larger Cory-type armoured catfish with a beautiful metallic green to blue-green sheen and a peaceful, social nature. Often sold as the Emerald Catfish, Emerald Cory or Green Brochis, Brochis splendens is an excellent bottom-dweller for mature community aquariums where it can be kept in a proper group. These are listed as small specimens, but they should still be bought with their adult size in mind, as Emerald Brochis grow noticeably larger and deeper-bodied than many common Corydoras.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Emerald Brochis
Other Names: Emerald Catfish, Emerald Cory, Green Brochis, Common Brochis, Green Cory, Corydoras splendens
Scientific Name: Brochis splendens
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish / Armoured Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The Emerald Brochis is native to South America, with records from the Amazon basin. FishBase describes it from sluggish, densely vegetated waters and shallow muddy habitats, where it feeds on small invertebrates such as insect larvae, worms and crustaceans. In the aquarium, this translates to a fish that appreciates soft substrate, shaded cover, plants, wood and calm areas for resting.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Small Emerald Brochis are usually bronze-green to olive when young, developing a stronger metallic emerald, turquoise or blue-green shine as they grow. They have a deeper, more robust body than most Corydoras, with bony armour plates, short barbels and a rounded profile. Adults can reach around 8–10 cm, with FishBase listing a maximum of 9.9 cm standard length, so they need more space than smaller Cory-type catfish. Females are often fuller-bodied than males when mature.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is a peaceful bottom-dweller for a mature tropical community aquarium. Emerald Brochis suit planted tanks, Amazon-style aquariums and calm mixed communities with open sandy areas for foraging. They are not suited to sharp gravel, aggressive tank mates, dirty substrates or very small aquariums. They are sociable fish and should not be kept alone.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 90 litres for a small group of young fish, with 120 litres or more recommended for adult groups or community setups. Choose an aquarium with good floor space rather than only height, as they spend most of their time on or near the bottom.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–27°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable
Additional Notes: Provide clean, well-oxygenated water, gentle to moderate flow and regular water changes. A soft sand substrate is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and allow natural foraging. Like other callichthyid catfish, Emerald Brochis can gulp air at the surface, so always leave access to the water surface. Fishkeeper also notes that they should be kept on soft sand and in groups of five or more.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Emerald Brochis are peaceful, active and suitable for calm community aquariums. Good tank mates include medium tetras, rasboras, peaceful barbs, gouramis, livebearers in compatible water, dwarf cichlids, bristlenose plecs and other gentle community species.

Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, large predatory fish and boisterous bottom dwellers that may outcompete them. Very tiny fry or shrimplets may be taken opportunistically, but this is not an aggressive predator. Keep them in a group of at least 5–6, with larger groups preferred where space allows.

Feeding:

Emerald Brochis are omnivorous bottom-feeders and should be fed directly. Offer quality sinking catfish pellets, bottom-feeder tablets, fine granules and sinking wafers as the staple. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, tubifex and finely chopped worms. They will pick up some leftover food, but they should never be expected to live only on scraps from other fish.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends much of its time foraging across the substrate in a group, using its barbels to search through sand for food. It is usually more confident than many smaller Cory-type catfish and may be active during the day once settled. Occasional quick trips to the surface to gulp air are normal. In a peaceful aquarium, Emerald Brochis often rest together under plants, wood or shaded areas between feeding sessions.

Care Notes:

Use soft sand or very smooth fine gravel, and keep the substrate clean to protect the barbels. Add only to a fully cycled, mature aquarium with stable water quality. Keep in groups, as single fish can become shy and stressed. Do not house with aggressive or predatory tank mates. Although small specimens may look suitable for modest tanks, adults are chunky catfish and need enough floor space, food and filtration for their eventual size.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Usually farmed or imported seasonally

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.