Why is my Emerald Cory darting to the surface?

It is completely normal for callichthyid catfish to occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air. They use a modified intestine to extract oxygen, an evolutionary adaptation for surviving in poorly oxygenated waters in the wild. However, if they do it constantly, check your tank's oxygen levels and water quality.

Can I keep Emerald Cories on gravel?

It is highly recommended to use smooth sand rather than gravel. Sharp or coarse gravel will erode their delicate barbels over time as they dig for food, leading to severe bacterial infections and a reduced ability to locate nutrients.

How many Emerald Cories should I keep together?

They are highly social, shoaling fish and must be kept in groups of at least six. Larger groups of eight or more will result in a more natural, confident display, encourage active foraging, and significantly reduce stress.

What is the difference between an Emerald Cory and a Green Cory (Corydoras aeneus)?

The Emerald Cory (Brochis splendens) is distinctly larger, has a deeper, more robust body, a pointier snout, and possesses a longer dorsal fin with 10 to 17 rays. The Green Cory (Corydoras aeneus) is smaller, less deep-bodied, and only has 7 dorsal fin rays.

Are Emerald Cories safe to keep with shrimp?

Yes, they are generally safe with adult dwarf shrimp like Neocaridina, as their mouths are adapted for soft sifting rather than predatory biting. However, tiny newborn shrimplets resting on the substrate may occasionally be accidentally eaten if they fail to move away from a foraging cory.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Emerald Cory

Brochis splendens

The Emerald Cory is a robust, vibrantly coloured and deeply-bodied armoured catfish that brings highly active, peaceful charm to medium-sized community aquariums.

List this species for sale Find Emerald Cory near me

Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.8 – 8
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 7 – 9 cm
100L (Standard 3ft tank minimum): 100 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: gentle to moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sand substrate is mandatory to protect barbels; provide shaded areas with driftwood, smooth stones, and broad-leaved plants.

About the Emerald Cory

The Emerald Cory (Brochis splendens), often referred to as the Emerald Brochis, is a robust and highly active armoured catfish native to the Amazon basin. Known for its striking, iridescent emerald-green flanks, it is notably larger and deeper-bodied than most true Corydoras species. Its peaceful nature and vibrant colouration make it an outstanding addition to medium-sized community aquariums. Because of their continuous foraging, they keep the substrate active and visually fascinating.

Find Emerald Cory

Search current listings in your chosen area. If none are available, save an alert and we’ll let you know when a match is listed.

Find locally Check compatibility Add to a Setup

Availability alerts only use public sale listings. Adding this species to a Setup updates your private records.

Is it right for your tank?

Check Emerald Cory against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Emerald Cory comes from

Native range

Amazon Basin, Ucayali River Basin, Tocantins River Basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia

Habitat

Shallow, slow-moving or still waters including oxbow lakes, flooded forests, and sluggish tributaries, typically with soft, muddy substrates littered with leaf litter.

Widely distributed across the upper Amazon basin.

Similar species

Green Cory
Corydoras aeneus
Peppered Cory
Corydoras paleatus
Sterbai Cory
Corydoras sterbai

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Peaceful mid-to-top dwelling species that shares identical water parameter requirements and will not compete for bottom-dwelling territory.
Great
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
A peaceful dwarf cichlid that generally tolerates the bustling activity of Emerald Cories without undue aggression.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus spp.
While generally peaceful, adult Bristlenose plecos can become territorial over food and caves, occasionally startling the cories.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Tiger Barbs can be aggressive and nippy. While cories are armoured, constant harassment can cause significant stress.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large, predatory cichlids will attempt to eat the cories. The cories' sharp pectoral spines can fatally lodge in the predator's throat.
Not recommended

Current marketplace listings

Checking the marketplace…

See all Emerald Cory listings

Public Wanted requests

No open requests for Emerald Cory in this market yet.

Looking for Emerald Cory?

Search current listings near you, or post a wanted request so local sellers know what you’re looking for.

Search Emerald Cory listings Post a wanted request