Emerald Corydora Catfish

Introduction: The Emerald Corydora Catfish, scientifically known as Brochis splendens, is a peaceful and hardy freshwater fish beloved by aquarists for its metallic green sheen and active, social nature. Native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of South America, this species is a member of the Corydoradinae family, making it closely related to Corydoras catfish but distinguishable by its larger size and robust build. This schooling fish adds a shimmering green elegance to any community aquarium.

Scientific Name: The Emerald Corydora Catfish is scientifically known as Brochis splendens. It belongs to the Callichthyidae family and is sometimes referred to as the “Emerald Catfish” or “Green Catfish.”

Water Quality and Temperature: To replicate the Emerald Corydora Catfish’s natural habitat, maintain the following water parameters:

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C).
• pH Level: Aim for a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal health.
• GH Level: Maintain a general hardness (GH) level of 2 to 12 dGH.
• KH Level: The carbonate hardness (KH) should be kept within 2 to 8 dKH.

Feeding: Emerald Corydora Catfish are omnivorous bottom dwellers that thrive on a well-rounded diet. They prefer:

• Sinking Pellets: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers specifically for catfish.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia for a protein boost.
• Vegetables: Blanched vegetables like zucchini or peas can be offered occasionally.
• Flake Foods: While they may consume flake foods that reach the bottom, sinking foods are more appropriate for their feeding habits.

Tank Mates: Emerald Corydoras are peaceful and social, making them ideal for community aquariums. They thrive best in schools of at least six individuals. Good tank mates include small, peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive or large predatory fish that may stress or harm them. Their calm disposition allows them to coexist harmoniously with most other peaceful species.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal for Emerald Corydora Catfish to prevent damage to their delicate barbels while foraging for food. Tank decorations such as driftwood, rocks, and caves can provide additional hiding spots and mimic their natural environment. Dense planting with live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Sword will also make the tank more comfortable, providing both cover and beauty.

Suitable Plants: Emerald Corydoras prefer well-planted tanks where they can retreat and forage among the greenery. Hardy plants such as Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, and Java Moss can help replicate their natural environment, providing both shade and hiding places.

Sexing: Sexing Emerald Corydora Catfish can be tricky due to their similar appearances. However, females tend to be larger and rounder, especially when gravid, while males are slightly slimmer. Females are also likely to appear fuller in the abdomen when ready to breed.

Breeding: Breeding Emerald Corydoras is similar to other Corydoras species. To encourage breeding, provide pristine water conditions and simulate a rainy season by performing cooler water changes. Females will lay eggs on flat surfaces like plant leaves or tank walls. After laying, the eggs should be removed or the adults moved to a separate tank to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch in 3 to 5 days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or specially prepared fry foods.

Maximum Size and Longevity: Emerald Corydoras can grow up to 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length, making them larger than most other Corydoras species. With proper care, they can live for 5 to 10 years, providing long-term enjoyment in the aquarium.

General Information: The Emerald Corydora Catfish is a favorite among aquarists for its attractive green metallic sheen and friendly, peaceful nature. Active during the day, these bottom dwellers play an important role in keeping the tank clean by scavenging for leftover food. Their social behavior makes them a joy to watch in groups, and they contribute to a healthy, balanced aquarium environment. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced aquarist, Emerald Corydoras are a great addition to any community setup.

A Fun Fact: Unlike most fish that gulp air from the surface, Emerald Corydoras have a unique ability to breathe atmospheric air thanks to their modified intestine. This allows them to survive in low-oxygen environments by occasionally darting to the surface for a breath.