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Emerald Catfish Brochis Splendens

Description

Brochis splendens (Emerald Brochis Catfish)

Peaceful, larger cory-type catfish for established community aquariums

Quick Facts

  • Size: up to ~9–10 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ minimum, larger preferred
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy–Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: Groups (3–5+)
  • Plant safe: Yes

Is this for you?

✔️ Good if:

  • You want a peaceful bottom-dweller with more presence than a small Corydoras
  • You have an established aquarium with open floor space
  • You keep peaceful community fish
  • You are happy to keep them in a small group

❌ Avoid if:

  • You have a nano tank
  • You want a “clean-up crew” fish that survives on scraps
  • You keep aggressive or highly competitive feeders
  • You only want to keep one

Why this fish?

Brochis splendens is a peaceful, active catfish often chosen by hobbyists who want the charm of Corydoras, but in a larger and more substantial fish.

It is well known for its metallic green sheen, steady bottom activity, and community-friendly nature. Unlike larger plecs, it stays plant-safe and will not bulldoze the aquascape.

Common mistakes

  • Buying them for small tanks because they look like “just another cory”
  • Assuming they can live on leftovers alone
  • Keeping them singly instead of in a group
  • Using sharp gravel that can wear down barbels
  • Overcrowding the bottom of the aquarium

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28°C
  • pH: ~5.8–8.0
  • Diet: Sinking pellets, granules, wafers, frozen foods
  • Group size: 3–5+ recommended
  • Substrate: Soft sand or smooth substrate preferred
  • Water: Clean, stable, good-quality water

Pair with

  • Sinking catfish pellets or wafers
  • Fine sand substrate
  • Driftwood and shaded resting areas
  • Peaceful mid-water community fish
NTA Insight:
Brochis splendens is often bought by people expecting a small cory-style fish, but it needs more room, more deliberate feeding, and a better bottom layout than most beginners expect.

FAQ

Is Brochis splendens the same as Corydoras?

Not exactly. They are closely related and similar in behaviour, but Brochis splendens grows larger and generally needs more space.

Can they live in a nano tank?

No. They are not a nano species and are better suited to larger community aquariums with more floor space.

Do they clean the tank?

No. They will pick through the substrate, but they still need proper feeding and should not be treated as a maintenance tool.

Do they need to be kept in groups?

Yes. They are social fish and do best in groups of at least 3, with larger groups often working even better.

What do they eat?

They readily accept prepared foods that reach the bottom, including tablets, granules, wafers, and also frozen foods.

Emerald Catfish Brochis Splendens

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$26.00


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    Description

    Brochis splendens (Emerald Brochis Catfish)

    Peaceful, larger cory-type catfish for established community aquariums

    Quick Facts

    • Size: up to ~9–10 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ minimum, larger preferred
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy–Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: Groups (3–5+)
    • Plant safe: Yes

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Good if:

    • You want a peaceful bottom-dweller with more presence than a small Corydoras
    • You have an established aquarium with open floor space
    • You keep peaceful community fish
    • You are happy to keep them in a small group

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You have a nano tank
    • You want a “clean-up crew” fish that survives on scraps
    • You keep aggressive or highly competitive feeders
    • You only want to keep one

    Why this fish?

    Brochis splendens is a peaceful, active catfish often chosen by hobbyists who want the charm of Corydoras, but in a larger and more substantial fish.

    It is well known for its metallic green sheen, steady bottom activity, and community-friendly nature. Unlike larger plecs, it stays plant-safe and will not bulldoze the aquascape.

    Common mistakes

    • Buying them for small tanks because they look like “just another cory”
    • Assuming they can live on leftovers alone
    • Keeping them singly instead of in a group
    • Using sharp gravel that can wear down barbels
    • Overcrowding the bottom of the aquarium

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28°C
    • pH: ~5.8–8.0
    • Diet: Sinking pellets, granules, wafers, frozen foods
    • Group size: 3–5+ recommended
    • Substrate: Soft sand or smooth substrate preferred
    • Water: Clean, stable, good-quality water

    Pair with

    • Sinking catfish pellets or wafers
    • Fine sand substrate
    • Driftwood and shaded resting areas
    • Peaceful mid-water community fish
    NTA Insight:
    Brochis splendens is often bought by people expecting a small cory-style fish, but it needs more room, more deliberate feeding, and a better bottom layout than most beginners expect.

    FAQ

    Is Brochis splendens the same as Corydoras?

    Not exactly. They are closely related and similar in behaviour, but Brochis splendens grows larger and generally needs more space.

    Can they live in a nano tank?

    No. They are not a nano species and are better suited to larger community aquariums with more floor space.

    Do they clean the tank?

    No. They will pick through the substrate, but they still need proper feeding and should not be treated as a maintenance tool.

    Do they need to be kept in groups?

    Yes. They are social fish and do best in groups of at least 3, with larger groups often working even better.

    What do they eat?

    They readily accept prepared foods that reach the bottom, including tablets, granules, wafers, and also frozen foods.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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