Hog-nosed Brochis

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Inhabits hydrographic basins in Ecuador (Rio Napo) and large areas of western Peru. It is found in white waters and shady swamps with a clay/muddy bed in which it swims slowly, raising powerful clouds of sediment during its frantic search for food.

Taxonomy and Morphology: The "king" of Callichthyidae and Brochis. Titanic size (exceeds 10 cm / 4 inches). Named "Hog-nosed" for the exaggeratedly long and pointed snout compared to B. splendens, and "multiradiatus" due to the endless spiny dorsal sail (17-18 soft rays).

Social Behavior: Monstrous digger. Extremely shy and evasive if bred below the minimum threshold (6 specimens), it will tend to hide away for life. In its school, however, it acts undaunted, moving the entire layout in a frantic search for earthworms and crustaceans.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Invulnerable and sparkling bone armor. A dazzling metallic green and turquoise coats the flanks on a golden or pinkish base. The huge females in heat literally resemble "blimps" and differ visibly from the males, which are thinner and more aerodynamic.

Aquarium Setup: Colossal tanks (at least 250 liters) with equally exaggerated bottoms in very fine silica sand (essential to sink the immense snout). Any coarse substrate will shatter its whiskers. Create hiding places with monumental roots and dim light.

Diet and Feeding: Feed saturator: must be fed vigorously and continuously to avoid starvation. Sinking pellets must be supported, without fail, by very heavy constant injections of live and frozen food (whole earthworms, giant tubifex, mysis and bloodworms).

Water Quality: Demands stability and powerful filtration to dispose of the enormous biological waste. Thermal range 22-26°C (72-79°F). The water must have a slightly acidic or neutral pH (6.0 - 7.2) and tolerant hardness (GH 2-15). Ammonia spikes fatally erode the long barbels.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Gentle giant. Excellent in Amazonian community mega-layouts associated with Discus, large schools of Tetras (Bleeding heart tetras) or herbivorous Loricariids. Not recommended for pairing with large Eartheaters (Geophagus) that would end up constantly stealing its meal.

Aquarium Reproduction: Very rare event, triggered exclusively by impressive monsoon changes (temperature drops with RO) and wild fattening with live food. Classic T-position, followed by the laying of immense eggs on the glass, immediately targeted by the hungry school.

Risks and Diseases: In addition to the obvious fatal atrophy of the barbels caused by abrasive substrates, lightning-fast massacres are recorded if exposed to prophylactic treatments with regular doses of Copper, Malachite green or pure salt in the tank.