C005 Corydoras Pantanalensis - Brochis pantanalensis

C005 Corydoras Pantanalensis (Brochis pantanalensis)

The C005 Corydoras Pantanalensis, Brochis pantanalensis, is a highly attractive South American cory-type catfish with a graceful armoured body, fine spotting and beautiful mature colouration. Also known as the Pantanal Cory, C005 Cory or Corydoras pantanalensis, this species is especially prized because adult males can develop an impressive iridescent pattern when in breeding condition. Peaceful, active and sociable, it is best suited to mature community aquariums with soft sand, clean water and a proper group of its own kind.

Common Name:
C005 Corydoras Pantanalensis, Pantanal Cory, C005 Cory, Corydoras pantanalensis, Pantanal Corydoras.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Brochis pantanalensis
Still widely traded as Corydoras pantanalensis.

Maximum Size:
Up to around 6.9 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to South America, with records from the Cussis and Las Petas river basins in Bolivia, and wider Pantanal-linked drainage systems in Bolivia and Brazil. It is a freshwater demersal species that lives close to the substrate, foraging in clear, shallow wetland and riverine habitats with fine sediments, plants, leaf litter, wood and quieter marginal areas.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.6
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; stable, clean water with good oxygenation is essential.

Temperament:
Peaceful and sociable. Pantanal Corys are excellent community catfish and should not be kept alone. They do best with calm tank mates and can be stressed by large, aggressive or very boisterous fish.

Diet:
Omnivorous bottom-feeder. Offer sinking catfish pellets, fine granules, small wafers, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp and other small meaty foods. They will forage through the substrate, but should not be expected to live only on leftovers from fish feeding higher in the aquarium.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 90 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed community setups. A longer footprint is more useful than extra height, as this species spends most of its time on or near the bottom.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active bottom-level shoaler that spends much of its time sifting sand, exploring shaded areas and resting with its group. Keep at least 6 individuals, with 8 or more preferred for confidence and natural behaviour. Like other cory-type catfish, it may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, so always leave clear access to the water surface.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, small barbs, calm rainbowfish, dwarf cichlids with care, gouramis and other non-aggressive community species. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, rough bottom-dwellers and any fish large enough to swallow them.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Soft sand is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and underside while foraging. Provide plants, driftwood, leaf litter, caves, shaded cover and open sand patches. Keep substrate clean with regular maintenance, as cory-type catfish are sensitive to poor bottom hygiene and unstable water quality. This is a specialist cory-type catfish and is best added to a mature aquarium rather than a brand-new setup.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Rare or occasional in trade / Specialist import or tank-raised where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.