Emerald Green Cat

Emerald Green Cat (Brochis splendens / Corydoras splendens) is one of the most spectacular armored catfish available and the largest commonly kept corydoras-type fish. The entire body — from snout to tail — shimmers with an extraordinary iridescent emerald-green to blue-green metallic sheen that shifts with the light angle. Unlike most corydoras, Brochis splendens has a notably higher dorsal fin ray count and a more robust, deeper body.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Sinking Wafers make an excellent daily staple and Sera Vipachips Tropical Wafers are an excellent alternative. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms. This larger species also accepts Hikari Mini Algae Wafers. Feed at lights-out.

Native to the upper Amazon basin in Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, Brochis splendens inhabits slow-moving, slightly acidic to neutral streams with dense vegetation and sandy substrate. It is a robustly built fish that does well in a wide range of community conditions.

Keep in groups of at least six — this is not optional for Corydoras. In the wild these fish occur in schools of dozens to hundreds. A lone Corydoras or a group of fewer than six is a stressed fish that stays hidden, refuses food, and lives a shortened life. In a proper group they are bold, constantly active, and endlessly entertaining to watch as they forage together across the bottom of the aquarium.

Corydoras are highly sensitive to substrate quality — fine sand is strongly preferred over gravel, as rough substrates damage the delicate barbels they use to forage. Regular partial water changes and pristine water quality are essential, as all Corydoras are sensitive to nitrites and dissolved waste. Sand substrate, gentle flow, and shaded areas with driftwood or plants will keep this species at its happiest and most active.

Care & Ideal Parameters