All fish / Callichthyidae

Emerald Catfish

Corydoras splendens

Also known as emerald green cory, emerald cory, emerald catfish, green cory, brochis splendens, common brochis, emerald brochis, brochis, ブロキス・スプレンデンス, 绿鼠鱼, 翡翠鼠

A stocky armoured catfish with a metallic emerald green body, orange-tinted belly and a long dorsal fin, bigger and heavier-built than most Corydoras. It is hardy, peaceful and busy, spending its time sifting the substrate in groups, which makes it a popular community tank bottom dweller.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.8

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia

Breeding

An egg scatterer that sticks eggs to plants, glass and décor, often set off by a cool water change. Spawning in captivity is possible but less regular than in smaller Corydoras, and the eggs and fry are best moved away from the adults.

Good to know

It used to be called Brochis splendens and is still sold under that name. Give it soft sand or smooth gravel, because rough substrate can wear down its barbels.