Flag-tail Cory
Brochis robineae
One of the most spectacular and easily identifiable species, unique in possessing a sharp horizontal black zebra striping ('flag') on the entire caudal fin.
Wassertemperatur
22 - 26 °C
pH-Wert
6 - 7.2
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten
Erwachsenengröße
4,5 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 100 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 8 dKH
TDS
40 - 260 ppm
Leitfähigkeit
63 - 406 uS/cm
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Jewel of the Rio Negro basin, in Brazil. Inhabits the bottom of rivers with very clear but distinctly black and acidic waters (blackwater) generated by the massive organic decay (leaf tannins) in the jungle, sheltered from weak sunlight.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Belonging to the Callichthyidae family. Tiny Corydoras (maximum 4.5 cm / 1.8 inches) with a moderately round snout. Has a slender and armored chassis, which visually stands out for a markedly flattened profile compared to others.
Social Behavior: Radical gregariousness. Forces the breeder to purchase large swarms (from 8 to 15 members). Very elusive, it takes time to acclimatize and does not accept external disturbances. Indefatigable rooters if united in their thick reassurance group.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Undoubtedly one of the most unique corys. Whitish tapered body, adorned with 4 or 5 powerful parallel horizontal black bands along all the flanks. Tail entirely furrowed by parallel blackish stripes (banded-tail pattern). Females much taller and more massive than males.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Setups without very fine sand are torture for this species. The ideal layout is blackwater: very intricate woods, alder cones, thick carpets of dead leaves. The presence of a weak current is tolerated and appreciated.
Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous benthic micro-digger. Nocturnal or evening feeding highly recommended to evade bullying fish. Administer rapid sinking crumbled tablets, obligatorily combining brine shrimp nauplii and red bloodworms/tubifex (live or frozen).
Water Quality: The native Amazonian black waters demand acidic/neutral pH (6.0 - 7.2), extremely low GH (2-12) and a constant temperature at 22-26°C (72-79°F). Bacterial and nitrate accumulation will lead to lethargy, infections and early death; careful changes are vital.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Delicious companion, tiny and shy, must be introduced solely with small gentle "dither fish": schools of Paracheirodon innesi/axelrodi, small Nannostomus or Otocinclus. Banned large or moderately aggressive fish.
Aquarium Breeding: Rare trial and for experts. Necessary substantial monsoon simulations (cool RO water changes and live hyper-protein feeding). Classic T-mating with meager deposition of adhesive eggs; extreme parental propensity to eat their own brood.
Risks and Diseases: Any abrasive substrate fatally wears the barbels leading to silent starvation and fungal infection of the mouth. They tolerate aggressive preparations very badly, especially copper ones, making it necessary to halve the curative dose.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Jewel of the Rio Negro basin, in Brazil. Inhabits the bottom of rivers with very clear but distinctly black and acidic waters (blackwater) generated by the massive organic decay (leaf tannins) in the jungle, sheltered from weak sunlight.
Ursprung
Amazonas, Orinoco und Guayana
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Brochis robineae is exceedingly peaceful and sociable, making them a favorite among community tank enthusiasts. They show absolutely no aggression towards other fish species and prefer to go about their daily foraging undisturbed. They are highly gregarious and derive comfort from the presence of their own kind, frequently resting and moving together as a unified group. Isolation can cause them immense stress, resulting in hiding and refusing to eat.
- Diät
- Omnivore
- Brochis robineae are omnivorous bottom feeders that require a varied diet to thrive in captivity. A high-quality sinking pellet or wafer specifically formulated for bottom dwellers should form the staple of their daily meals. They also greatly benefit from regular offerings of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. It is important to ensure that food reaches the bottom before being consumed by mid-water fish so they do not go hungry.
- Lebenserwartung
- 5-8 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 4.5 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- School
- A recommended sex ratio for Brochis robineae, especially if breeding is desired, is two or three males for every female. This mimics their natural breeding groups and increases the chances of successful fertilization of the eggs. In a standard display tank, exact ratios are less critical as long as they are kept in a sufficiently large shoal of six or more. Having more males ensures that the female is constantly courted during the breeding cycle.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- Feeding Brochis robineae one or two times a day is generally sufficient to maintain their health and vitality. Care should be taken to provide only what they can actively consume within three to five minutes to prevent water fouling. If kept in a community setup with aggressive surface feeders, it may be beneficial to feed them after lights out. Observing their belly fullness can help determine if the feeding frequency and amounts are appropriate.
- Bioload
- Low
- Brochis robineae produces a moderate bioload, making them excellent candidates for community tanks. Their efficient scavenging habits actually help maintain water quality by consuming uneaten food that would otherwise decay. Despite their modest size, a school of six or more does contribute somewhat to the tank's waste output. Regular water changes and adequate filtration are still necessary to keep the bioload manageable and nitrate levels low.
- Fluss
- Stagnant
- This species prefers gentle to moderate water flow that mimics the slow-moving streams and tributaries of various South American river basins. Excessive flow can cause unnecessary stress and fatigue, as they are not built for constant swimming against strong currents. A well-placed sponge filter or a canister filter with a spray bar can provide the ideal balance of filtration and gentle water movement. Oxygenation remains important, so ensuring surface agitation without overpowering the bottom areas is key.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- The jumping risk for Brochis robineae is exceptionally low, as they are primarily bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their time foraging in the substrate. However, they do periodically dart to the surface to gulp air due to their modified intestine that acts as an accessory respiratory organ. During these quick ascents, an open tank could present a slight risk if they misjudge the distance. A standard aquarium lid is recommended to ensure they stay safely contained inside the tank.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding Brochis robineae can be achieved in a dedicated breeding setup with cool water changes used to trigger spawning behavior. The females are typically larger and more robust, scattering adhesive eggs onto broad-leaved plants, aquarium glass, or spawning mops. Once spawning is complete, the adult fish should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The fry hatch after a few days and require very small live foods like microworms or freshly hatched brine shrimp.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Peaceful
- These peaceful catfish are highly compatible with a wide variety of community fish. They do exceptionally well with small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids that inhabit the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. Aggressive or large bottom-dwelling species should be avoided as they may bully the Brochis robineae or outcompete them for food. Keeping them in groups of at least six of their own kind is vital for their sense of security.
- Tankfüllstand
- Bottom
- Brochis robineae are strictly bottom dwellers, spending almost the entirety of their day sifting through the substrate in search of food. They require a soft, sandy substrate to prevent damage to their delicate barbels, which are essential for sensing their environment. While they occasionally dart to the surface to take in a breath of atmospheric air, they immediately return to the bottom. Decor elements like caves, driftwood, and low-lying plants provide them with much-needed resting spots.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 2,9 ± 0,3 se
- Belastbarkeit
- Hoch (weniger als 15 Monate)
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.01778, b = 3.02
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (10 / 100)
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