Brochis pantanalensis

Overview

Known in the hobby as C005, Brochis pantanalensis comes from the Bolivian Pantanal. The reticulated pattern of mature males is particularly useful for identification. For care, prioritize clean substrate, conspecific company, and a deliberate feeding routine.

Distribution & habitat

Its range lies in the Bolivian portion of the Pantanal wetland. The described habitats combine clear water with abundant aquatic vegetation.

Aquarium setup

A well-lit planted aquarium with some floating cover reflects that setting. Avoid undergravel filtration and maintain the substrate carefully. Poorly maintained, dirty bottom material can lead to damaged or lost barbels.

Diet & feeding

Most sinking prepared foods are accepted, together with small live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped earthworms. Vary the ration to maintain good condition.

Behaviour & compatibility

Very peaceful behavior allows suitable small characins, cyprinids, anabantoids, dwarf cichlids, and other gentle catfishes. Avoid very large or aggressive companions.

Keep at least six together. Conspecific company generally makes them more confident and active.

Sexual dimorphism

A netlike pattern develops in mature males but is absent from females. Males also tend to be smaller and slimmer.

Breeding

A confirmed captive procedure for this species is unavailable. The following approach is borrowed from other related catfishes. Use a spawning aquarium with moss or similar vegetation, bare flooring or fine sand or gravel, and an air-powered sponge or box filter that will not draw in fry. Around 24 °C and near-neutral water are possible starting conditions. Condition two males per female with varied live, frozen, and prepared foods.

For relatives, gravid females are often stimulated by a 50–70% change with slightly cooler water within the appropriate range, accompanied by extra aeration and movement. This may be repeated daily. Seasonal spawning and slow maturation can also matter, so unsuccessful attempts may call for patience or changed timing rather than increasingly forceful stimulation.

Typical related-catfish courtship includes chasing, a T-shaped pairing, and the female holding one or sometimes several eggs between her pelvic fins before attaching them to glass or another surface. The precise fertilization route remains subject to interpretation and is not established here for this species.

Separate adults and eggs, retaining the same water and good oxygenation for incubation. Remove fungused eggs promptly; some breeders use a little methylene blue. In related species, hatching commonly takes three to four days, with microworms or brine-shrimp nauplii offered after yolk absorption. A thin sand layer appears to reduce fry ailments compared with bare flooring, but this is an observational finding.

Notes

Older labels may use Corydoras pantanalensis or C005. These names do not represent additional species.