Brochis britskii
Brochis britskii was first described by Nijssen and Isbrücker in 1983. This fish belongs to the family Callichthyidae, which consists of two subfamilies: Corydoradinae and Callichthyinae. The family Callichthyidae contains more than 200 species, of which the subfamily Corydoradinae is the largest with more than 200 valid species.
The genus name Brochis is derived from the Greek word ‘brochos’, meaning ‘inkhorn’, referring to the shape of the fish. The species name britskii is a tribute to Dr. Heraldo A. Britski, a Brazilian ichthyologist.
Synonym: Corydoras britskii.
Description
Brochis britskii has a deep body with a typical triangular shape. The head and flanks are pinkish tan, with a bluish or greenish metallic sheen on the dorsolateral scales. The fins are tan in color. This fish can reach a total length of 10 centimeters for females and 9 centimeters for males.
Differences between Males and Females:
Females are rounder and larger than males, especially when carrying eggs. There are no significant behavioral differences between the sexes.
Behavior and Temperament:
Brochis britskii is a peaceful fish that lives well with other peaceful species. They live in groups and are bottom dwellers. They are not shy and show social behavior.
Life expectancy:
In the wild these fish can live for several years, while in a well-maintained aquarium they can live up to 5 years.
Biotope
Brochis britskii is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay, in the upper Paraguay River Basin. They inhabit slow-flowing, vegetated rivers and lakes.
Natural Habitat:
Their natural habitat has lots of underwater vegetation and the edges of the water are often covered with trees. The bottom is usually sand or mud.
Climate:
They live in a tropical climate with seasonal floods and droughts.
Diet
In the Wild:
In the wild, Brochis britskii primarily feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and plant material.
In the Aquarium:
In the aquarium, they can be fed sinking pellets, tablets, frozen and live foods such as tubifex, and mosquito larvae. They also benefit from meaty foods such as small or chopped earthworms.
The Aquarium
Aquarium Size:
A minimum aquarium of 90 centimeters long is suitable for a small group of Brochis britskii. For multiple pairs, a larger aquarium of at least 120 centimeters is recommended.
Furnishing:
The aquarium should be furnished with fine sand or smooth gravel as a substrate. Add plenty of hiding places using rocks and pieces of wood, and provide moderate planting.
Water parameters:
The ideal water parameters are a pH of 6.5-7.2, a hardness of 0-12ºdGH, and a temperature of 20-24ºC.
Compatibility:
Brochis britskii can live well with peaceful species such as tetras and small barbs.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Breeding Aquarium:
A special breeding aquarium of at least 60 centimeters is recommended for breeding. The water should be clean and well filtered, with a temperature of 24-26ºC. Use a sponge filter to protect the fry from being sucked in.
Conditioning:
Condition the fish with a varied diet of live and frozen foods. It is helpful to temporarily separate the males and females and reunite them for breeding.
The spawn
Colors and Ritual:
During spawning, the colors of the fish become more intense. The courtship ritual involves the male chasing the female and leading her to a suitable place to deposit the eggs, usually on a smooth surface such as a rock or plant.
Eggs:
The eggs are laid in the morning and are usually brightly colored. A female can lay up to 100 eggs, about 1-2 mm in size.
Triggering the spawn:
Brochis britskii can be triggered to spawn by simulating the rainy seasons in their natural habitat. This can be accomplished by a large water change with slightly cooler water, which will encourage the fish to mate. Increasing oxygen levels and offering live foods can also help condition the fish for mating.
Spawning and T-position:
The spawning of Brochis britskii takes place via the so-called T-position, a behavior that is also observed in Corydoras species. In this position, the male positions himself perpendicular to the female, with his head near her abdomen. The male uses his pectoral fins to hold the female in place. The female takes the male’s sperm into her mouth and fertilizes the eggs with it, which she then deposits on a suitable surface.
Eggs:
The eggs are laid in the morning and are usually brightly colored. A female can lay up to 100 eggs, about 1-2 mm in size.
Number of Eggs and Size:
A female can lay up to 100 eggs, which are about 1-2 mm in size. The eggs are usually laid on a smooth surface such as a rock or plant
Egg Color:
The eggs are usually bright in color and are laid in the morning
Raising the fry
Hatching of Eggs:
Eggs hatch after about 3-5 days. The young begin to swim freely after about 5-7 days.
Parental Care:
There is no parental care after hatching. The fry should be fed with infusoria or crushed flake food as soon as they begin to swim freely.
Survival:
A large percentage of the fry can survive with good care and regular water changes.
Particularities
Brochis britskii is a unique species within the Corydoradinae due to the greater number of branched dorsal fin rays (15-18) compared to other genera such as Corydoras and Aspidoras. This fish is less commonly available in the trade, but is highly sought after due to its unique appearance and peaceful nature.
Conclusion
Brochis britskii is a beautiful and peaceful fish that is well suited to community aquariums with other peaceful species. They are relatively easy to keep, as long as the water quality is maintained and they are fed a varied diet. Their unique appearance and interesting behavior make them a valuable addition to any aquarium.
Although they are not often available in the trade, they are certainly worth seeking out. Their peaceful nature and compatibility with other species make them ideal for both beginners and advanced aquarium enthusiasts.
Author
John de Lange
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