These long-lived catfish are best kept in groups in a large aquarium with a sandy substrate
Overview
Synonyms
Chaenothorax multiradiatus
Distribution
Native to Ecuador and Peru.
Maximum Size
12cm (4.7")
Temperature
21-24°C
Water Parameters
Soft & slightly acidic conditions are best long-term. pH: 6.0-7.0, dH: up to 15 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females larger and slightly plumper when viewed from above.
Feeding
Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
Hog-nosed Brochis are ideal catfish for the larger, peaceful community aquarium. Must be kept on a soft sand substrate and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to shoaling nature. Plenty of shady planted areas should be provided, but as this is a species that loves to dig, attaching plants such as Anubias and Java Fern to bogwood can be more successful than planting into the substrate. Also include some rocky caves and pieces of driftwood to give the fish additional cover. Corydoradinae species have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in; it may do this numerous times per day. As these fish grow relatively large, a deeper than average tank (18" or so) will be appreciated. Ensure the aquarium has tight fitting coverslides as Hog-nosed Brochis are capable of jumping. Good filtration and frequent partial water changes are a must for this species, as they can be rather sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. Ideal companions could include angelfish, dwarf cichlids, tetras, or medium-large peaceful loach species. Handle these fish with care as the sizeable pectoral and dorsal spines can easily become tangled in netting. These fish are usually imported at a length of 5cm or larger, and they do tend to command a relatively high price tag - something to bear in mind as a good sized shoal is required for the wellbeing of these sociable fish. Brochis species can be distinguished from Corydoras species by the presence of more dorsal fin rays (10 or more in Brochis species, fewer in Corydoras). Brochis multiradiatus differs from the other species of Brochis by its pronounced "hog-like" snout and larger number of dorsal fin rays. *Brochis is currently a synonym of Corydoras but future taxonomic work is likely to see the genus revalidated.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets/granules/wafers, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and vitamin-enriched brineshrimp.
Breeding
No detailed reports available, but likely to spawn in a similar fashion to Corydoras.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here