No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Emerald Corydoras
Brochis splendens
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae
📍 South America
The emerald corydoras (now classified as Brochis splendens) is larger than most corydoras and sports a stunning metallic green body. It is a peaceful schooling fish that prefers groups and thrives in heavily planted tanks with soft substrate.
Care Guide
Diet
Emerald corydoras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, daphnia, and algae wafers. Feed small amounts once daily, ensuring food reaches the substrate where they forage. Supplement with blanched vegetables like zucchini occasionally to promote digestive health.
Behavior
These peaceful, social catfish are most active during dawn and dusk, spending much of their time sifting through substrate in search of food. They are schooling fish that become stressed when kept alone, displaying more confident and natural behavior in groups of 6 or more. They produce audible squeaking sounds and are generally non-aggressive toward tank mates.
Breeding
Breeding emerald corydoras in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. Successful breeding requires cooler water temperatures (20-22°C), pristine water conditions, and a well-established group with proper conditioning. Fry are difficult to raise and require infusoria and micro foods during early stages.
Tank Mates
Similar water parameters and peaceful temperament; occupy mid-water column
Identical habitat requirements and non-competitive feeding behavior
Peaceful dwarf cichlid; may occasionally compete for bottom space but generally compatible
Complementary bottom feeders with identical water requirements; minimal competition
Peaceful invertebrates; emerald corydoras may occasionally consume shrimplets
Matching water parameters and peaceful schooling behavior; ideal community fish
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against substrate
Raise temperature to 28-30°C gradually, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Barbel Erosion
Deterioration or loss of barbels, reduced feeding activity
Improve water quality with frequent changes, use fine sand substrate, ensure adequate nutrition with varied diet
Fin Rot
Frayed or disintegrating fins, lethargy, loss of appetite
Perform 50% water change, maintain pristine conditions, use antibacterial medication if severe; improve substrate quality
Dropsy
Bloated appearance, scales standing on end, lethargy
Isolate fish, perform frequent water changes, feed high-quality foods; condition is often fatal if advanced
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Emerald Corydoras to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, wafers, daphnia
- lifespan
- 10+ years
- max size
- 8.5 cm (3.3 in)
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- school size
- 5+
- temperament
- Peaceful, social
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)