Once classified in its own genus Brochis, the Emerald Green Catfish is now recognized as Corydoras splendens, though hobbyists still use the Brochis name widely. It is notably larger and more robust than typical Corydoras, reaching up to 9 cm, with a higher dorsal fin and a more elongated body. The flanks shimmer with brilliant metallic green iridescence, giving the fish a jewel-like quality that is especially visible under bright lighting.
Native to the Amazon River basin in Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, this species inhabits slow-moving to moderately flowing rivers, floodplains, and swampy areas with soft, fine substrate. Like all callichthyid catfish, it possesses bony scutes instead of scales for protection and uses intestinal respiration as a supplement to gill breathing, meaning it will periodically dart to the surface to gulp air — a completely normal behavior that should not alarm the keeper.
Emerald Green Catfish are highly social and must be kept in groups of at least six. In the aquarium, they are active, entertaining bottom-dwellers that constantly explore the substrate for food. They are compatible with virtually all peaceful community fish and will not harm plants, invertebrates, or other species. Their larger size compared to other corydoras makes them particularly visible and impressive in the aquarium.
