Emerald catfish - Brochis splendens

Scientific name: Brochis splendens

Common name: Emerald catfish

Family: Callichthyidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.8 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Emerald catfish are definitely bottom feeders and will accept all foods; care must be taken that they will receive food before the other tank mates have eaten it all. This can be done by adding catfish pellets and an occasional treat of bloodworms.

Origin

Emerald catfish is a South American catfish; these have been caught in the wild from various countries including Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador.

Sexing

The only way of sexing Brochis splendens is by comparing a group; the females will be slightly larger with more extended pelvic fins.

Breeding

Emerald catfish can be a very difficult species to breed. They demand a perfect water condition which needs to be slightly acidic. Lowering the water level will help as will dropping the temperature a couple of degrees. Subdue the lighting with the aid of floating plants and add a strong current to the breeding tank. Add a spawning mop which is weighted down to the bottom and prime the fish with live foods. Each female can lay up to 300 eggs which will be scattered over the tank glass and the plants.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan of Emerald catfish is 5 years if kept in the correct conditions.

Short description

Emerald catfish are often mistaken for Corydoras, some scientists believe they are related but they are classed under a different genus. The juvenile fish bear no resemblance to their parents having a brownish complexion and covered with spots. Juveniles may also display a reddish tint on their dorsal fin.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.