Cryptic Corydoras
Brochis cryptica
Peculiar blackwater Callichthyid, owes its name to the extraordinary tawny and mottled coloration that allows it to become literally invisible on a bed of dead leaves.
Temperatura da água
22 - 26 °C
Valor de pH
5.5 - 7.2
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior
Tamanho adulto
5 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 80 L
Grupo mínimo
8
GH
1 - 10 dGH
KH
1 - 8 dKH
TDS
25 - 230 ppm
Condutividade
39 - 359 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Originating from the upper Amazon basin (Rio Purus) in Brazil. Typically found in small streams shaded by the dense forest canopy, in clear or black waters rich in plant material.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Cryptic Corydoras (Brochis cryptica). Belongs to the relatively short-snouted Corydoras complex. Shares genetic and visual similarity with C. reynoldsi and C. tukano.
Social Behavior: Shy, peaceful, and highly group-dependent species. A school of at least 8 individuals gives them security. Less brazen than more common species (e.g. aeneus), they prefer to stay in the shade of wood if the light is intense.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a pale body with a dark mask (blindfold) across the eyes, a dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin, and a prominent spot on the caudal peduncle. The male is smaller and more slender than the female.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: "Blackwater" style aquarium strongly recommended to put them at ease. Dim lighting, Catappa or Oak leaves on the bottom, and a strict fine sand substrate to protect the rostral barbels.
Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous benthic micro-predator. Feed with frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp, and meat-enriched sinking bottom tablets. They feed by filtering sand through their gills.
Water Quality: They do not tolerate high nitrate levels or dirty substrates. Require soft and acidic water (pH 5.5-7.2) and moderate temperatures (22-26°C / 71-79°F).
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Exceptional tankmate for "biotope" aquariums with Nannostomus, Carnegiella, small Characins or peaceful Apistogramma. Pairing with aggressive medium or large Cichlids must absolutely be avoided.
Aquarium Breeding: Reproduction is difficult but possible by triggering it with simulated temperature drops (cool water changes). They produce few eggs compared to other species (20-30), typically laid under leaves or in dense moss.
Risks and Diseases: Extremely vulnerable to systemic bacterial infections arising from barbel erosion on unsuitable bottoms (gravel, crushed quartz). Salt should never be used as a cure.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Originating from the upper Amazon basin (Rio Purus) in Brazil. Typically found in small streams shaded by the dense forest canopy, in clear or black waters rich in plant material.
Origem
Amazônia, Orinoco e Guianas
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Brochis cryptica can only be described as completely peaceful and highly gregarious. They are a schooling fish by nature and absolutely must be kept in groups of at least six individuals of their own kind to feel secure. When kept in insufficient numbers, they will become extremely stressed, reclusive, and susceptible to disease. In a proper school, they are active, inquisitive, and highly entertaining to watch as they scurry around the bottom together like a busy little cleaning crew. They pose absolutely no threat to any other inhabitants in the aquarium.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- In the wild, Brochis cryptica is a micro-predator and scavenger that sifts through the substrate for small insects, worms, and crustaceans. In the aquarium, they readily accept a wide variety of high-quality sinking foods, including pellets, wafers, and granules designed for bottom feeders. To ensure optimal health and coloration, their diet should be supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. They are not true algae eaters, so feeding them solely algae wafers is a common mistake that can lead to malnutrition. A varied diet will keep their immune system strong and encourage natural foraging behaviors.
- Expectativa de vida
- 5-10 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 5 cm
- Proporção sexual
- School
- When keeping Brochis cryptica, the exact sex ratio is not strictly critical for their day-to-day well-being, as they do not exhibit aggression toward each other. However, if the goal is to breed them, a ratio of two or three males for every female is strongly recommended. This multiple-male approach increases the chances of successful fertilization during the spawning process. Females are typically larger and noticeably broader when viewed from above, especially when conditioned with high-quality foods. Maintaining a healthy, mixed-gender school allows for the observation of their fascinating natural social dynamics.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- It is generally recommended to feed Brochis cryptica small amounts of food once or twice a day. The key is to provide only what the fish can completely consume within a few minutes to prevent uneaten food from rotting in the substrate. Because they are bottom feeders, you must ensure that enough food reaches the bottom before faster mid-water fish consume it all. If feeding twice a day, offering a staple sinking pellet in the morning and a frozen treat in the evening works exceptionally well. Observing their bellies can help you gauge if they are getting enough food; they should look gently rounded but not bloated.
- Carga biológica
- Low
- The bioload of Brochis cryptica is relatively low to moderate, making them an excellent choice for a community aquarium. They do not produce excessive amounts of waste compared to larger or more predatory fish. However, because they are a schooling species and should be kept in groups, the cumulative bioload of the school must be accounted for when sizing the filtration system. Regular water changes and a properly cycled aquarium are still essential to maintain the high water quality they require. It is important to avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food will negatively impact the water parameters.
- Fluxo
- Stagnant
- Brochis cryptica appreciates a moderate amount of water flow in the aquarium, simulating the gentle currents of their native South American streams. The flow should be strong enough to keep the water well-oxygenated and prevent detritus from settling on the bottom, but not so strong that the fish struggle to swim or rest. Using a standard hang-on-back or canister filter usually provides the perfect amount of water movement. They will often be seen actively swimming against the current for exercise, but they also need quiet resting areas among plants or hardscape. Providing a balance of moving water and still zones is the best approach to their habitat.
- Risco de salto
- Yes
- The risk of Brochis cryptica jumping out of the aquarium is generally very low, as they spend the vast majority of their time navigating the bottom of the tank. However, like all Corydoras, they possess an adaptation that allows them to dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air. During these rapid ascents, an accidental jump or splash can occasionally happen if the fish misjudges the surface. For this reason, a secure lid or cover glass is highly recommended to prevent any tragic accidents. A lid also helps maintain a humid layer of air above the water, which makes breathing easier for them.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Breeding Brochis cryptica in captivity is entirely possible and often highly rewarding for dedicated aquarists. They are egg scatterers, typically laying their adhesive eggs on broad-leaved plants, aquarium glass, or smooth stones after an elaborate courtship dance. To trigger spawning, aquarists often perform a large, cool water change to simulate the onset of the rainy season in the Amazon basin. Once the eggs are laid, the parents provide no parental care and may even consume their own eggs if not removed. For the best survival rate, the eggs should be transferred to a separate rearing tank and the fry fed infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- With caution
- Brochis cryptica is incredibly peaceful and makes a fantastic addition to most community tanks. They get along well with other peaceful, similarly sized fish such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. It is crucial to avoid keeping them with large, aggressive, or predatory species that might view them as food or nip at their fins. They are also completely safe to keep with most ornamental snails and adult dwarf shrimp, although baby shrimp might occasionally be eaten. Their bottom-dwelling nature means they rarely compete for space with mid- or top-dwelling tank mates.
- Nível do tanque
- Bottom
- As classic bottom-dwellers, Brochis cryptica will spend nearly all of their time foraging and resting on the substrate. They use their sensitive barbels to meticulously search the sand or fine gravel for any edible morsels that have sunk to the bottom. While they are primarily benthic, it is completely normal to see them periodically make lightning-fast dashes to the water's surface to take a gulp of air. Aside from these quick trips to the top, they will almost never be found swimming in the middle or upper levels of the water column. Providing a large footprint with plenty of open bottom space is far more important than tank height.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 2,9 ± 0,3 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.00741, b = 3.14
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
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