Emerald Catfish (Brochis splendens)

🐟 Appearance

The Emerald Catfish is renowned for its striking metallic green to bluish-green body, often exhibiting a yellowish ventral area. Its fins are typically translucent with a brownish tint. Adult males are generally smaller and more slender, while females are larger with a more robust build . 

🏠 Aquarium Care

Tank Size: Minimum of 15–20 gallons (56–75 liters)
Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5 or more to promote natural shoaling behavior
Substrate: Fine sand or very smooth gravel to protect their delicate barbels
Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

• pH: 5.0–8.0

• Hardness: 2–15 dGH

• TDS: 36–268 ppm  

Tankmates: Peaceful community fish such as small to medium-sized tetras, danios, rasboras, livebearers, gouramis, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful catfish. Avoid aggressive or significantly larger species . 

🍽️ Diet

Emerald Catfish are omnivorous scavengers. A balanced diet includes:

• Staples: High-quality sinking pellets or algae wafers

• Supplements: Live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia

• Vegetables: Blanched zucchini, spinach, or cucumber 

🧠 Behavior & Social Structure

These catfish are active and social, thriving in groups. They are bottom dwellers and enjoy foraging through the substrate for food. Providing hiding spots with driftwood or plants can help them feel secure .

🐣 Breeding

Breeding Emerald Catfish in captivity can be achieved with proper conditioning. Steps include:

1. Conditioning: Feed a varied diet of live and frozen foods to both males and females.

2. Water Changes: Perform a significant water change with cooler water to simulate rainy season conditions.

3. Spawning Behavior: Males will chase females, and once receptive, females will lay eggs on surfaces like plants or tank glass.

4. Egg Care: Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation. Eggs hatch in about 4–5 days, and fry can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food until large enough for newly hatched brine shrimp .

💡 Additional Tips

• Air Breathing: Emerald Catfish are facultative air-breathers and may surface to gulp air. Ensure the tank has a small gap between the water surface and the lid .

• Water Quality: Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes to prevent stress and disease.

• Tank Setup: Incorporate plants and driftwood to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spots.