From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Emerald Green Cory
Brochis splendens
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 5 – 8
- Min. tank size
- 243 L
- Lifespan
- 8-10 years
- Diet
- omnivore
- Care level
- easy
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Brochis splendens |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Origin: | South America (Amazon basin) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | easy |
| Diet: | omnivore |
| Max Size: | 8.00 cm |
| Water Type: | freshwater |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | 6+ together |
| Varieties: | No cultivated colour strains — the metallic green sheen is the wild-type appearance, and it varies with light, condition and viewing angle. The taxonomy is the real story. The species was described as Brochis splendens and spent decades under that name, distinguished from Corydoras by the higher dorsal ray count of 10 to 12 rather than 15 to 18. Brochis was synonymised with Corydoras for a period, and the 2024 revision of the subfamily revived it, so shop labels still carry both. Two other former Brochis reach the trade and are worth distinguishing. Brochis britskii, the giant cory, is larger again and more heavily armoured. Brochis multiradiatus, the hognosed brochis, has a longer snout and a still higher ray count. Among the other cories, the bronze and albino forms of Osteogaster aenea are the fish this species is most often confused with — they are smaller, less deep-bodied and considerably less green. For a large, peaceful bottom group in a big tank, this species is the better-looking option. |
| Lifespan: | 8-10 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Low to medium
- Min Tank:243 L
- Substrate:Soft sand (essential to protect barbels)
- Plant Safe:Plant-safe
- Filtration:Moderate
Emerald Green Cory (Brochis splendens) is a species of fish in the family Callichthyidae. It is native to South America (Amazon basin). The emerald green cory is not a Corydoras. It was one for a while, and it is not one again. For most of its time in the hobby it was Brochis splendens — a separate genus distinguished by the dorsal fin, which carries 10 to 12 rays where a true Corydoras has 15 to 18. The genus was folded into Corydoras for a spell and revived by the 2024 revision of the group, so both names still circulate — but Brochis is the accepted one. Practically, what the distinction means is size and build. This is a bigger, deeper, heavier fish than a bronze or peppered cory — 80 mm standard length, with a broad body and a metallic green sheen along the flanks that gives it its name. It is peaceful, long-lived and social, needing a group of six to eight. It also needs more room than most cories: a 120 × 45 cm base at around 243 litres.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Groups of 6+
- Swims
- bottom
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
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