Care
The False Network Cory is known from tributaries of the upper Amazon river in north-western Brazil and the Rio Yavari, Loreto, Peru.
This is a small, peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish that is ideal for mature, community aquaria. Gregarious by nature, False Network Corydoras should be kept in groups of 5 or more; this will not only create a beautiful display, but it will give these sociable, shoaling fish much more confidence to venture out into the open. Unfortunately, False Network Corys tend to be quite prone to barbel infections/erosion, so it is vitally important that the fish are kept on a soft sand substrate (rather than gravel where waste can build up unseen) in order to protect these delicate sensory organs. Regular maintenance, including frequent partial water changes, should be carried out in order to keep these fish in good condition. Provide some shady retreats amongst bogwood and areas of dense planting, and keep only with small, peaceable tankmates, such as some of the smaller sized characins/cyprinids/anabantoids or dwarf cichlids. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. It may do this numerous times per day. The species name sodalis is Latin for accomplice/companion/fellow, in allusion to the close resemblance to Brochis reticulatus. The two may be told apart by the latter sporting a large dark blotch over much of the dorsal fin. As well as confusion with its close relative, this fish is often incorrectly identified as Corydoras agassizi by Peruvian exporters.
Recent work on the previously enormous genus Corydoras has moved this species into Brochis, reflecting a close kinship despite some differences such as numbers of dorsal fin rays and a lack of senior synonyms used for the other groups/lineages of former Corydoras species. Further studies will probably result in this fish being placed in a new genus.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets/granules/tablets, flake, and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
This species has been bred in the home aquarium. Ideally the water will be soft and slightly acidic (peat filtration recommended). It should be possible to trigger mature fish (2 males:1 female) into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. When ready to spawn, a pair should adopt the classic Corydoras T position where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the female's pelvic fins. This species scatters the fertilised eggs over dense planting or onto the aquarium glass. Incubation is approximately 3-5 days (temperature dependent), and once the fry have absorbed their yolk sacs, they will be able to take infusoria followed by baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii), microworm etc.
