Emerald Green Corydoras

Emerald Green Corydoras (Brochis splendens; also known as Corydoras splendens)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring a metallic green shimmer and gentle bottom-level activity to your freshwater aquarium with Emerald Green Corydoras. Their robust bodies reflect emerald to blue-green tones above a pale underside, creating a striking display as they turn beneath the light. A settled group explores the substrate together, using sensitive barbels to search for food before resting among plants and shaded retreats. These peaceful, social catfish grow larger than many commonly kept Corydoras. Occasional trips to the surface for air are normal, but frequent surface visits or labored breathing warrant a water-quality and oxygenation check.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Easy to moderate; best in an established aquarium

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Adult Size: Approximately 3–3.5 inches; females usually larger

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons with generous floor space; a 36-inch or longer aquarium recommended for an adult group

• Temperature: 72–80°F

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, approximately 2–15 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore; requires dedicated sinking foods

• Swimming Area: Bottom, with occasional trips to the surface

• Recommended Quantity: At least 6 of the same species when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide fine sand or smooth, rounded substrate, generous open foraging areas, and shaded retreats among plants and driftwood. Emerald Green Corydoras do best in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions, clean substrate, and good oxygenation. Plan for their adult size rather than treating them as miniature bottom dwellers. Avoid sharp gravel, keep access to the surface unobstructed, and use a secure lid. These fish do not replace substrate cleaning or water changes.

Good companions include peaceful tetras, rasboras, and suitable gouramis with compatible care requirements. Plant-safe snails and adult dwarf shrimp may coexist, though tiny shrimplets can be eaten opportunistically. Avoid aggressive fish, larger predators, and territorial bottom dwellers that may prevent them from feeding or resting. Provide enough floor space for every bottom-dwelling species, and keep a group of Emerald Green Corydoras rather than relying on unrelated Corydoras species to meet their social needs.

Feeding

Offer a quality sinking catfish pellet or wafer as a staple, supplemented with Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm when it reaches the bottom, Daphnia, and Bloodworms. Adjust food size for younger fish. Feed small portions in open areas and confirm that each fish gets food; feeding near lights-out can help in busy community aquariums. Emerald Green Corydoras are not algae eaters and should never be expected to survive on scraps or fish waste.