Care
The Emerald Catfish is ideal for the community aquarium. Must be kept on a soft sand substrate and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to shoaling nature. Some shady planted areas should be provided. These catfish 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. Brochis splendens may be distinguished from Corydoras and Osteogaster species by the presence of more dorsal fin rays. However, it has fewer dorsal fin rays than the other two species of Brochis. May also be seen on sale as Green 'Cory'.
The juveniles of this species bear no resemblance to the adults the dorsal fin appearing very oversized and of a red colouration, and the body colour being quite mottled.
Brochis was a synonym of Corydoras for a time, but taxonomic work saw the genus revalidated. The same study highlights differences in Peruvian populations which may see them elevated to species status and reclassified as B. coeruleus. Currently a number of species are in Brochis which are likely to be moved to a new genus following some further work.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.
Breeding
Fairly difficult, should be attempted in soft water. Mature groups consisting of one male and several females can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. The adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, decor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs generally take 4-5 days to hatch after which time the tiny fry should be offered finely powdered first foods. A few days later they will be able to take newly hatched brineshrimp. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited.
