All fish / Callichthyidae

Noel Kempff cory

Brochis noelkempffi

Also known as corydoras noelkempffi, noel kempff corydoras, brochis noelkempffi, noelkempff cory, noel kempffi catfish, noelkempfi cory, コリドラス・ノエルケンプフィ, 诺氏鼠鱼

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This is a fairly large, saddle-snouted armoured catfish with a longish head and a pale body marked with dark spots and blotches. Keepers like it because it is uncommon, active and peaceful, and it spends its time sifting the substrate in groups.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Bolivia: upper Rio Guaporé (Iténez) basin, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park area

Breeding

It lays sticky eggs on glass and plants in the typical cory T-position, often after a large cool water change. Captive spawnings are reported only now and then, so breeding it counts as challenging.

Good to know

Since 2024 it has been placed in Brochis, but most shops still sell it as Corydoras. It needs soft sand and clean, well-oxygenated water to protect its barbels, and it can be confused with other spotted long-snouted cories.