侣兵鲶 · False Network Cory

Overview

Brochis sodalis is a gentle cory that benefits from living with its own kind. It makes a suitable companion for many small community fishes, provided clean conditions and a dedicated food ration are maintained. Bottom foraging does not replace aquarium maintenance.

Distribution & habitat

Its upper Amazon range includes Loreto in Peru and Amazonas state in Brazil. Small tributaries, creeks, pools, and seasonally flooded forest provide habitat.

Aquarium setup

Sand, branching wood, roots, and dried leaves create a sheltered setting under subdued light. Tannins can give the water a pale tea tint. Replace aging leaves before excessive decay fouls the aquarium. Although aquatic plants are not characteristic of its native waters, planted aquariums also work. Avoid undergravel filtration and maintain a particularly clean floor; declining conditions can lead to barbel problems.

Diet & feeding

An omnivore, it takes sinking pellets or tablets supplemented with live and frozen foods such as water fleas, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Deliberately provide food for the group instead of expecting it to survive on leftovers.

Behaviour & compatibility

Keep at least six together. Small characins, gentle cyprinids, labyrinth fishes, suitable dwarf cichlids, and peaceful catfishes can share the aquarium. Avoid large or aggressive companions. Eggs and tiny fry may still be eaten despite its generally nonaggressive temperament.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are usually slightly larger and appear distinctly fuller when viewed from above, especially before spawning.

Breeding

Prepare a separate aquarium with spawning cover and air-powered filtration. Soft water and strong aeration are useful. A male-biased group, often two males per female, can be conditioned on varied foods. Cooler replacement water and additional circulation may trigger ripe fish, though maturity and seasonal timing affect results.

Courtship includes pursuit and the characteristic T-shaped pairing posture. Females briefly hold a few eggs between the pelvic fins before attaching them to glass or another chosen surface. Remove adults afterward or transfer eggs to matching, oxygenated water. Discard fungused eggs promptly. Hatching generally takes three to five days; after yolk absorption, offer microworms or newly hatched brine shrimp. A shallow sand layer may benefit fry compared with a completely bare floor, without reducing the need for cleanliness.

Notes

Occasional surface gulps are part of intestinal air breathing. A marked increase warrants checking oxygen and water quality. Sharp pectoral spines can catch in nets or puncture skin, so move fish carefully.