Emerald tank catfish - Brochis splendens

Brochis splendens, the Emerald Tank Catfish, is a wonderful representative from the Amazon and could even be mistaken for a Metal Tank Catfish. However, the two are different ; the Metal Tank Catfish remains slightly smaller, has a slightly shorter dorsal fin, and also does not have as pronounced a back. Depending on the lighting, the pretty emerald lance catfish shimmer silver, but also green or blue, although this depends on their mood , among other things. So their name is self-explanatory! Brochis splendens also forms a pectoral fin reinforced by spines, which is used for locomotion. These sought-after bottom dwellers grow to about 7-9 cm in length and reach a proud aller of nearly 15 years!

As they are used to from their habitat, the aquarium should be well structured for the pretty Emerald Tank Catfish. Especially suitable here are Sandy bottom and stones, as well as roots. Since the armored catfish look for food in the substrate, it should not have any sharp-edged objects, so that the animals do not injure their sensitive barbels. They prefer many hiding places in which they can retreat and also like a dense planting in places, which may reach the water surface, in order to dim the brightness in the aquarium somewhat. Also with Floating plants can be used to achieve this. Since the animals prefer to spawn on large leaves, Echinodorus sword plants are therefore recommended.

Propagation is possible in the aquarium, but the preparation is a bit more complex to get the animals in spawning mood. Above all, the Emerald Tank Catfish react very much to air pressures and temperature fluctuations, as well as to an increased feeding with live or frozen food. They are among the adhesive spawners that stick to their eggs.

As social animals they attach importance to their group and should therefore not be kept individually if possible. We recommend the care with at least 8 animals. In an aquarium with an edge length of 80 cm or more they are in good hands. Concerning their water values they are not very choosy and do well with soft to medium hard water with a total hardness between 2-15 °dGH and an acidified pH-value of 6 to 7,5. The water temperature may be 22-26 °C.

As optimal bottom dwellers they can be well socialized with peaceful fish from similar habitats, for example Tetras and Daniosbut also with well reproducing Dwarf shrimp speciesif these find sufficient retreat possibilities in the form of plants. Especially in a so called black water aquarium or also in an amazon biotope they come into their own. However, it is better not to socialize the Emerald Cory with dwarf crayfish or crayfish, as this could lead to misunderstandings.

Emerald Corys are  omnivores with a preference for carnivorous food. In the aquarium  they mainly eat the food remains of their fellow fish, but they can also be easily fed with commercial bottom feeders, food tablets or flake food and granulated food. From time to time they are happy about a variety in the form of live or frozen food, such as mosquito larvae, Artemia or also Enchyträen.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic catfish feed for all sucking catfish in the aquarium is a well-balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic complexes of active ingredients that provide sucker catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.