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 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'.
*Brochis is currently a synonym of Corydoras but future taxonomic work is likely to see the genus revalidated.
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, décor, 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. 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.
