Emerald Corydoras (Brochis splendens) - (No Online Purchases)

Emerald Corydoras  - In Store Pickup Only

Scientific Name: Brochis splendens (formerly Corydoras splendens)

Description: A beautiful and peaceful freshwater catfish known for its stunning metallic emerald-green to blue-green colouration. Emerald Brochis have a stockier body and a more pronounced dorsal fin than many smaller Corydoras species, giving them a distinctive appearance. Their shimmering scales reflect different shades of green, blue and bronze depending on the lighting. These active, social bottom-dwellers spend much of their time exploring the aquarium substrate in search of food. Their gentle temperament and interesting behaviour make them an excellent addition to larger, peaceful community aquariums.

Origin: South America, particularly the Amazon River basin, including areas of Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Naturally found in slow-moving rivers, tributaries, floodplains and shallow freshwater habitats.

pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5

Temperature: Around 22–27°C

Adult Size: Approximately 7–9 cm, with females generally growing larger and appearing more rounded than males.

Lifespan: Approximately 5–10 years, potentially longer with excellent aquarium care.

Food: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet of quality sinking catfish pellets, bottom-feeder tablets and wafers, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other small aquatic invertebrates. Emerald Brochis naturally forage along the substrate but should receive dedicated feeding rather than relying solely on leftover food from other fish. A balanced diet helps maintain healthy growth, colouration and activity.

Compatibility: Extremely peaceful and well suited to community aquariums containing similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include Tetras, Rasboras, peaceful Gouramis, Rainbowfish, smaller peaceful Cichlids and other compatible bottom-dwelling species. Emerald Brochis are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least six, with larger groups encouraging natural schooling and foraging behaviour. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive Cichlids and species that may compete aggressively for food or disturb them while resting.

Habitat: A spacious, well-established freshwater aquarium with a soft, fine sand substrate that allows natural foraging without damaging their sensitive barbels. Provide driftwood, aquatic plants, smooth rocks and shaded areas for shelter, along with open areas for exploring and swimming. Emerald Brochis appreciate clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle to moderate water movement and stable water parameters. Good filtration and regular water changes are essential for maintaining excellent water quality. Like other Corydoradine catfish, Emerald Brochis occasionally swim to the surface to gulp atmospheric air, which is normal behaviour.