Emerald Brochis (Brochis splendens) The Emerald Brochis is a beautiful, metallic green armoured catfish known for its larger, chunkier build compared with many smaller cory-type catfish. It naturally inhabits sluggish, shallow waters with dense vegetation and muddy bottoms, and in the aquarium it is a peaceful, active bottom-dweller that does best in groups and in a mature setup with a soft substrate. Common Name:Emerald Brochis. It is also commonly known as the Emerald Catfish. Scientific Name (Latin):Brochis splendens Maximum Size:Up to 9.9 cm standard length, though many aquarium specimens are commonly seen around 5–6 cm. Water Type:Freshwater. Origin / Natural Habitat:Native to the upper Amazon basin in South America, including western Brazil, eastern Peru, eastern Ecuador and south-eastern Colombia. It inhabits sluggish, shallow waters with dense vegetation and muddy bottoms. Water Parameters:Temperature: 22–27°CpH Range: 5.8–8.0Hardness: 2–30 dGH Temperament:Generally peaceful and well suited to a calm community aquarium. It is a sociable catfish and is much more comfortable when kept with its own kind rather than singly. Diet:Omnivorous bottom-feeder. It naturally feeds on worms, insect larvae and small crustaceans, and in captivity it should be given a varied diet of sinking pellets, wafers and frozen or live foods. Minimum Tank Size:A practical long-term recommendation is at least 90–120 litres, with a larger footprint preferred for a proper group. It is bigger and bulkier than many smaller corys, so extra floor space is beneficial. This volume is an aquarium-care inference based on its adult size and group-living behaviour. Behaviour & Activity:This is an active, bottom-dwelling species that spends much of the day searching through the substrate for food. It is also a facultative air-breather, so it may occasionally rise to the surface. Aquarium Category:Community FishBest kept in a group of at least 6 with other peaceful, non-aggressive freshwater fish that will not bully it at feeding time. Good companions include other calm shoaling fish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, gouramis and similarly gentle bottom-dwellers. Watch out for large aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers and rough, overly boisterous tankmates, as this species is peaceful and relies on group security rather than aggression. Special Requirements or Care Notes:A soft sand substrate is strongly recommended, though smooth rounded gravel can work. Avoid sharp gravel, as it can damage the barbels when the fish digs and searches for food. Provide plants, wood or shaded areas, while still leaving open patches of substrate for foraging. Suitable for:Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers. It is generally hardy and straightforward to keep, provided it is given clean water, a soft substrate and the company of its own species. Availability:Regular in trade. It is a well-established and commonly kept aquarium catfish. All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
