Emerald catfish (Brochis splendens)

Scientific name: Brochis splendens Castelnau, 1855

The Emerald catfish (Brochis splendens) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows to about 8 cm (3.1 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 5.8–8.0. Native range: South America, sandy streams in the Amazonia basin of Brazil, Ecuador and Peru.

Emerald catfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
8 cm (3.1 in)
Minimum tank
75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH
5.8–8.0
Hardness
2–30 dGH (36–535 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes.

Biology

Inhabits sluggish waters with dense vegetation. Occurs in shallow muddy waters. Feeds on insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Brochis splendens
Family
Callichthyidae (Callichthyid armored catfishes)
Order
Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
6.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.8 - 8.0; dH range: 2 - 30 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon River basin.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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