Emerald Catfish

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Scientific Name

Brochis splendens

Min. Tank Size

30 gallons

Personality

Peaceful

Temperature

70-82°F

pH

6.0-7.5/0-15°dGH

Size

3.5"

Diet

Omnivore

Breeding

Egglayer

Compatibility

Well suited to the community tank; Characins, Cyprinids, Anabantids, Dwarf Cichlids and other Catfish.

Emerald Catfish

Also called the Emerald Cory or the Shortbody Catfish, the Emerald Catfish is native to the inland waters of the upper Amazon River basin. These fish can be found throughout Brazil, Columbia, Peru and Ecuador where they tend to inhabit shallow, slow-moving waters. Emerald Catfish are named for their metallic green or blue-green coloration which may change in appearance depending on the lighting in the tank. The fins of this species tend to be either brownish or yellowish. These fish are similar in appearance to the Bronze Corydoras but can be distinguished by their larger body and pointed snout.

Tank Set-Up

Emerald Catfish tend to inhabit densely vegetated waters and, thus, do well in a planted tank. These fish prefer soft or fine-grained substrate that will not damage their barbels and they also appreciate some degree of cover in the form of driftwood branches. This species is very peaceful and well suited to the community tank as long as they are kept in groups with at least three of their own species.

Feeding

These Catfish are likely to accept any foods they come across while combing the substrate in your tank. Offer these fish a varied diet of sinking pellets or wafers along with live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, tubifex worms and bloodworms. Supplement this diet with Spirunlina wafers and blanched vegetables.

Breeding

Spawning Emerald Catfish can be best achieved by separating a group of mature fishes into a breeding tank – this group should consist of three males and two females. Condition the group on live foods and decorate the breeding tank with broad-leaved and floating plants. During spawning, the females will deposit their eggs throughout the tank on plants and tank glass. The eggs typically hatch three or four days later.