All fish / Callichthyidae

Imitator cory

Brochis imitator

Also known as imitator corydoras, imitator catfish, corydoras imitator, brochis imitator, c. imitator, imitator cory cat, コリドラス・イミテーター, 模仿者鼠鱼

This is a long-snouted armoured catfish with a pale body covered in small dark spots and a dark band running through the eye and along the back. It gets its name because it closely copies the colour pattern of Corydoras adolfoi, which lives in the same area. Keepers like it as a lively, peaceful bottom dweller for soft-water community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: upper Rio Negro basin

Breeding

It lays eggs in the typical cory way. The female holds the eggs between her pelvic fins and sticks them onto glass or plants. Captive spawning has been recorded but does not happen often, and it is usually triggered by cool, soft water changes.

Good to know

Since 2024 it has been placed in the genus Brochis, but it is still widely sold as Corydoras imitator. It is easily confused with C. adolfoi, so check the snout length, and give it fine sand so its barbels are not damaged.