Brochis pantanalensis

Remarks:  Brochis pantanalensis, also known by the C-number C005, is one of the highly sought after gems amongst members of the Corydoradinae subfamily. While juvenile and female fish are mostly a muted greenish-brown or tan with some having a green sheen, bearing a heavy resemblance to Brochis multiradiatus and Brochis splendens, mature males stand out with a completely unique appearance. Upon maturity during the mating season, male B. pantanalensis develop an incredible, silver and black reticulated pattern across the body with an intensified green iridescence. Some also get a nice yellow hue to their fins. This pattern often disappears outside of the breeding season so when sexing these fish at other times of the year, it is better to use body shape to determine males from females. Males will be slimmer and overall smaller than the larger, rounder females. With such a beautiful and unique look combined with their rarity in the hobby, it isn’t hard to see why B. pantanalensis are coveted amongst catfish lovers.   The native range of B. pantanalensis consists of the Cussis and Las Petas River basins in Bolivia and Southern Brazil. These waterways lie within the largest wetland in the world, the Pantanal wetland, from which B. pantanalensis was named after. Like most habitats within South America, the water is soft and acidic. Unlike most waterways within the Amazon where water is often stained with tannins, turbid, and/or devoid of aquatic plants, the water within the Pantanal wetland is very clear and full of vegetation that grows in the soft sand substrate. The current is also very gentle with the high levels of dissolved oxygen instead being attributed to the aquatic plants that also help keep the water free of pollutants. This makes B. pantanalensis an excellent choice if you are looking to create a South American biotope that has clear and plant-filled conditions. Like all fish, B. pantanalensis will thrive best if their natural environment is replicated and proper maintenance is upkept.   Brochis pantanalensis was previously classified as Corydoras pantanalensis, but was reclassified as Brochis pantanalensis upon publication of a phylogenomic analysis in 2024 that reclassified many species in the Corydoradinae subfamily.   Corydoradinae are small, peaceful catfish that are active shoalers and will stay near conspecifics, making for a lovely sight. Brochis pantanalensis are a larger species making them suitable with a larger number of tankmates compared to their smaller relatives. They feed by searching through sand with their barbels, making such a substrate necessary for their long-term health. Gravel substrates tend to be abrasive and damage the barbels, leading to infections and an inability to find food.   While these friendly catfish are willing to swim with other species of Corydoradinae different from their own, this does not provide the same social need as being kept with members of their own species. Because of this, it is highly recommended to keep at least six of each species of Corydoradinae present in the aquarium and only mix species if one has the space to keep at least six of each.   Corydoradinae are often looked at as "scavengers," but they should be treated in a similar fashion as the rest of your fish. They are omnivores and require a mixed diet. Sinking prepared foods are readily accepted, as are frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, blackworms, and bloodworms.