Brochis splendens
Emerald Catfish
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Siluriformes
Family:Callichthyidae
Genus:Brochis
Species:splendens
IUCN Status:Least Concern
Quick Stats
Difficulty
Easy
Environment
Freshwater
Temperature
22°C - 28°C
pH Level
6 - 8
Water Hardness
36 - 270 ppm
Lifespan
10 years
Origin
South America
Adult Size
7 - 9 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Creature Type
Fish
TDS
299 ppm
Water Flow
Low Flow
Aquarium Building Information
Minimum Tank Size
40L
Swimming Zone
bottom
Minimum School Size
6+
Oxygen Consumption
Low
Waste Production
Medium
Metabolism Rate
Medium
Activity Level
Active
Feeding Frequency
Daily
Food Types
Sinking Pellets
Wafers
Frozen Food
Live Food
About This Species
Basic Description
The Emerald Catfish, also known as the Emerald Brochis, is a beautiful and lively bottom-dwelling fish perfect for community aquariums. Its body shimmers with an iridescent, metallic green hue, making it a striking addition. These are not solitary fish; they are very social and must be kept in groups of at least six. In a group, you'll see them happily exploring the bottom of the tank together, sifting through the sand for food with their whisker-like barbels. For their well-being, a soft, sandy substrate is essential to avoid damaging these sensitive barbels. They are peaceful and get along well with other non-aggressive fish that occupy the middle and upper parts of the tank. Feeding is simple: provide a variety of sinking foods like wafers, pellets, and occasional treats of frozen or live food. A unique and completely normal behavior you'll notice is them occasionally darting to the surface for a gulp of air. This is a natural adaptation and not a sign of poor water quality. Due to their active nature and need for a group, a tank of at least 40 liters is recommended to give them ample space to thrive.
Detailed Description
Brochis splendens, commonly called the Emerald Catfish, is a robust and highly adaptable member of the Callichthyidae family, which also includes the popular Corydoras catfishes. Although often mistaken for a large 'Cory,' the Brochis genus is distinct, characterized by a higher dorsal fin ray count and generally a larger, more robust body. It's an excellent choice for hobbyists looking to move beyond common species. Its natural habitat in the slow-moving tributaries of the South American Amazon basin informs its care requirements. It thrives in tanks with low water flow, which can be achieved by using a spray bar on the filter outlet. While it can tolerate a wide range of pH and hardness, stability is key. Avoid sudden swings in water chemistry. A key aspect of their behavior is their intense social structure. A group of fewer than six will be shy, stressed, and fail to exhibit their natural, engaging behaviors. A larger shoal will be confident, constantly active, and interact with each other in fascinating ways. Their 'plant rooter' designation means they actively dig and sift through the substrate. This makes a fine sand substrate non-negotiable to protect their delicate barbels from erosion and infection. When aquascaping, opt for well-rooted, sturdy plants like Amazon Swords, or attach epiphytes like Anubias and Java Fern to driftwood to prevent them from being uprooted. As an omnivore with a medium metabolism, a daily feeding of high-quality sinking foods is essential. A varied diet that includes protein (frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp) and vegetable matter (spirulina-based wafers) will ensure proper health and coloration. Breeding is considered moderately difficult but achievable. It can be triggered by performing a large water change with cooler water, simulating the onset of the rainy season in their native environment. The fish will engage in the 'T-position' common to the family before scattering adhesive eggs on tank surfaces.
Scientific Description
Brochis splendens belongs to the order Siluriformes and the family Callichthyidae. Taxonomically, it sits within the subfamily Corydoradinae, alongside the genus Corydoras. Morphological differentiation from Corydoras includes a higher count of dorsal fin rays (typically 10-12 in Brochis vs. 7-8 in Corydoras) and an elongated snout. The fusiform body is laterally compressed and armored with two rows of overlapping bony plates, a defining characteristic of the family. Native to the Amazon River basin, its biogeographical distribution spans across Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador. It inhabits lentic environments such as floodplain lakes and slow-moving streams, often with soft, muddy, or sandy substrates rich in leaf litter. Its wide tolerance for water parameters (pH 6.0-8.0; GH 2-15) is indicative of its adaptation to the variable water chemistries found across these habitats. The IUCN has classified B. splendens as 'Least Concern' (LC), reflecting its widespread and stable wild populations. A significant physiological trait is its capacity for facultative aerial respiration. It utilizes a highly vascularized posterior intestine to supplement gill-based oxygen uptake, an adaptation for survival in potentially hypoxic waters. This is observed in aquaria as a quick dash to the surface for a bubble of air. In a closed system, its medium waste production and bioload factor necessitate robust biological filtration to manage the nitrogen cycle, especially when housing the requisite minimum shoal of six individuals. For optimal health and to facilitate natural foraging behavior, a substrate of fine-grade silica sand is mandated to prevent mechanical damage to the sensitive maxillary and mental barbels, which are crucial chemosensory organs. Reproduction in captivity is often stimulated by environmental cues mimicking seasonal rainfall, specifically a large-volume water change with cooler, slightly softer water. The species is a non-guarding, egg-scattering spawner, with females depositing adhesive eggs onto various surfaces following courtship.