Spectabilis Cory
Brochis spectabilis
A breathtaking jewel (spectabilis = noteworthy). The dark brown-golden body is covered by a very dense network of mottling and light holographic scales, creating a hypnotic color pattern.
Temperatura da água
22 - 26 °C
Valor de pH
6 - 7.5
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior
Tamanho adulto
6 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 80 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
2 - 10 dKH
TDS
50 - 280 ppm
Condutividade
78 - 438 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Originating from the Guaporé River basin in Brazil. Populates slow-flowing rivers, forest streams, and floodplains, living constantly in contact with the sandy substrate rich in silt and leaves.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Spectacular Corydoras (Brochis spectabilis). A Corydoras with a stocky profile and a short skull. Its scientific name ("spectacular") alludes to the exceptional reticulated pattern covering its entire armored body.
Social Behavior: Of an exquisitely gregarious and peaceful nature. Must be kept in schools of at least 6 or more specimens. Their continuous and frantic search for food on the bottom is hypnotic and beneficial for sand aeration.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pinkish-beige background covered by a dense vermicular network of iridescent gray-blue lines and dots, without the classic black blindfold or obvious isolated spots. Gravid females are very round and robust.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Spacious 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) tank. A fine and rounded sand bottom is imperative. Planted areas (Echinodorus) alternating with open spaces for foraging and natural shelters formed by roots and halved coconuts.
Diet and Feeding: Tireless omnivore. Feeds by scavenging on the bottom. Offer a varied diet: bottom tablets (with spirulina and fishmeal), daphnia, brine shrimp, and frozen meaty prey (bloodworms) for healthy growth.
Water Quality: Requires mature filtration and bottoms free of anoxic pockets. Adaptable to pH ranges (6.0-7.5) and medium hardness (GH 2-12). Tolerates high nitrate concentrations less than others, which damage the barbels.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Fits perfectly into peaceful communities of small to medium Characins and Cyprinids. Can peacefully coexist with other bottom catfish if the tank offers enough space for everyone.
Aquarium Breeding: Typical Corydoras breeder: temperature drops stimulate mating in the "T" position. They scatter adhesive eggs usually on the front glass or along the pump flow. Uncaring parents.
Risks and Diseases: Traumatic erosion and infection of the barbels on sharp bottoms or in poorly sanitized tanks are the main problems. They do not tolerate salt-based treatments and copper compounds (snail killers).
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Originating from the Guaporé River basin in Brazil. Populates slow-flowing rivers, forest streams, and floodplains, living constantly in contact with the sandy substrate rich in silt and leaves.
Origem
Extra-Amazônica América do Sul
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Brochis spectabilis is exceptionally peaceful and highly social in nature. They must be kept in groups of at least six individuals to thrive. In proper schools, they are confident and constantly active across the bottom.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- The diet of Brochis spectabilis primarily features benthic organisms and small detritus. In captivity, they eagerly eat sinking pellets and high-quality bottom-feeder wafers. Live foods like bloodworms and daphnia should be offered for optimal health.
- Expectativa de vida
- 5-10 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 6 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Specific M:F ratio
- A specific sex ratio is unnecessary for the general community keeping of Brochis spectabilis. For dedicated breeding, a ratio of two males per female is optimal. Females are visibly rounder and broader, while males are slender.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Brochis spectabilis one or two times daily in moderate portions. Ensure the food reaches the substrate before mid-water fish consume it all. Feeding just before lights out helps them forage peacefully without stress.
- Carga biológica
- Low to Medium
- The bioload of Brochis spectabilis is relatively low compared to larger tank mates. Since they are schooling fish, their combined waste can accumulate over time. Consistent filtration and weekly water changes are necessary for maintaining clean water.
- Fluxo
- Stagnant
- Brochis spectabilis prefers a moderate water flow that replicates gentle Amazonian streams. This circulation thoroughly oxygenates the water and prevents detritus accumulation. Calm resting zones should also be provided for relaxation.
- Risco de salto
- Yes
- The jump risk for Brochis spectabilis is very low compared to surface-dwelling fish. However, their unique respiratory system causes occasional rapid surface darting. A secure aquarium lid is highly recommended to prevent accidental escapes.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Breeding Brochis spectabilis in an aquarium is highly achievable with proper conditioning. Spawning is typically triggered by a large, slightly cooler water change. The female then deposits adhesive eggs on aquarium glass or broad plant leaves.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Semi-aggressive
- In terms of compatibility, Brochis spectabilis is extremely peaceful and ideal for community setups. They coexist perfectly with small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. Large, aggressive bottom-dwellers must be avoided to prevent undue competition.
- Nível do tanque
- Bottom
- As obligate bottom-dwellers, Brochis spectabilis spends the vast majority of its time on the substrate. They constantly search for food by sifting fine sand with their sensitive barbels. They occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air.
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 = 0.02455, b = 3
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
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