Brochis sodalis – False Network Catfish
Brochis sodalis was first described by Nijssen and Isbrücker in 1986. Brochis sodalis belongs to the family Callichthyidae, known as armored catfish. Previously, this species was referred to as Corydoras sodalis, but this name is now a synonym. The common name for this fish species is False Network Catfish.
The genus name Brochis is derived from the Greek word “bronchos,” meaning “with a helmet.” This name refers to the protective bony plates that these fish have, which are located under the skin. The species name sodalis means “comrade” or “fellow,” which may refer to the social nature of these fish, which often live in groups.
Synonym: Corydoras sodalis.
Description
General Description
Brochis sodalis has a slender and streamlined body typical of the family Callichthyidae. The fish averages about 5 to 6 centimeters and can reach a maximum length of about 7 centimeters. The head is relatively broad, and the eyes are large, which contributes to its cute appearance.
Color and Patterns
The head and flank color is predominantly silvery with a glossy finish. The flanks are decorated with a unique pattern of black and brown spots that create a net-like appearance, giving the species its name. The fins are usually transparent with a slight tint of yellow or brown, and the anal fin is often slightly darker in color.
Physical Differences Between Males and Females
In Brochis sodalis, there are clear physical differences between males and females. Females tend to be larger and have a broader abdomen, especially when full of eggs. Males tend to have a more slender and streamlined body. Behaviorally, males are more active and playful, especially during mating, while females search for suitable places to lay their eggs.
Differences Between Juveniles and Adults
Juvenile Brochis sodalis are usually smaller and have less pronounced patterns than adults. As they mature, they develop the characteristic net-like patterns, and their colors intensify. Adult fish are also larger and have a more robust body structure.
Behavior and Temperament
General Behavior
Brochis sodalis is a peaceful and social fish that does best in groups of at least six to eight individuals. They are not aggressive and can live well with other peaceful species in a community aquarium. These fish are bottom dwellers and spend most of their time searching for food on the bottom of the aquarium.
Social Structure
They live in schools in the wild, which should also be imitated in the aquarium. They are not shy but can hide if they feel threatened. Their social behavior is expressed in their interactions with conspecifics, where they often swim together and follow each other.
Life expectancy
Brochis sodalis lifespans can vary in the wild, but they can live up to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium. This can even be longer with proper care and a suitable environment.
In summary, Brochis sodalis is an attractive and easy-to-maintain fish species that thrives in a social environment. Their unique appearance and peaceful nature make them a popular choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.
Biotope
Brochis sodalis is native to Peru and Brazil. These fish are found in northwestern Brazil and in the Loreto region of Peru, where they mainly inhabit the upper parts of the Amazon.
Habitat
Brochis sodalis is a river fish that lives mainly in small streams, creeks, and pools. It is found in the Amazon River, especially in the Rio Yavari and other tributaries.
Natural Habitat
The natural habitat of Brochis sodalis is characterized by a rich biodiversity. The environment often consists of a combination of dense vegetation and open water. There is usually an abundance of underwater vegetation, such as aquatic plants and driftwood, which provide hiding places for the fish. The edges of the water are often covered with trees and other vegetation, which contributes to the shade and ecosystem of the area.
Soil/Substrate
The soil in their natural habitat consists of a fine sandy or muddy substrate, which allows them to dig and forage without damaging their barbels. This type of substrate is crucial to their behavior and feeding, as they often forage on the bottom.
Natural Enemies
In their natural habitat, Brochis sodalis has several natural enemies, including larger fish and predators that feed on smaller fish species. However, they are also opportunistic feeders and may feed on small invertebrates and other organisms in their environment. This makes them both prey and hunters in their ecosystem.
Climate
Brochis sodalis lives in tropical climates, which means that water temperatures typically range between 22°C and 26°C. In these areas, seasonal flooding raises water levels and changes the fish’s habitats. During the rainy season, rivers and streams can rise significantly, increasing the available habitat and food sources. This season can also stimulate the fish to reproduce, as the increased water levels allow them to reproduce more easily and lay their eggs in safe, sheltered areas.
Diet
Food in the Wild
In their natural habitat, Brochis sodalis are omnivores, meaning they have a varied diet of both plant and animal matter. They feed primarily on small invertebrates, such as insect larvae, worms, and other small organisms that live on the bottom of rivers and streams. They also consume plant matter, such as algae and detritus, that accumulates on the bottom. This diet helps them survive and plays an important role in the ecosystem by cleaning up organic waste.
Food in the Aquarium
In an aquarium, it is important to mimic the diet of Brochis sodalis as closely as possible to ensure their health and well-being. These fish are relatively easy to feed and will accept various foods. Here are some recommendations for their diet in an aquarium:
- Main diet: Use a high-quality sinking pellet or tablet as a base food. This will ensure the food ends up on the bottom of the aquarium where the Brochis sodalis can reach it.
- Supplements: Add live or frozen foods to their diet regularly, such as:
- Artemia
- Daphnia
- Mosquito larvae
- Grindal worms and tubifex .
- Vegetables: Although they primarily eat animal foods, they can also benefit from plant material. Blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or cucumber can be added to their diet as a supplement.
- Leftover Food: Brochis sodalis are also useful in a community aquarium as they clean up leftover food from other fish. Make sure there is always some food on the bottom so they can display their natural behavior.
Avoid overfeeding is crucial as it can lead to poor water quality and health problems. Ensure that any unused food scraps are removed daily to maintain water quality.
Also, note that they cannot survive on waste alone!
The Aquarium
To keep a small group of Brochis sodalis, an aquarium of at least 45 liters is recommended. The bottom surface is more important than the height of the aquarium. This provides enough space for the fish to swim and display their natural behavior. If you plan to keep multiple pairs, it is wise to choose a larger aquarium, preferably 60 to 80 liters. This ensures the fish have enough space to move around and socialize without feeling stressed.
The Aquarium
The aquarium should be set up as naturally as possible to imitate the habitat of Brochis sodalis. Providing the aquarium with a sand or fine gravel substrate is advisable. This type of substrate is ideal because it allows the fish to dig and search for food without damaging their barbels.
In terms of decoration, it is important to add some driftwood and dense planting, for example. This provides hiding places and creates a safe environment for the fish. Although aquatic plants are not abundant in their natural habitat, they can be added to an aquarium for aesthetic value and to provide shade. Make sure there are open spaces where the fish can swim and forage.
Water parameters
The best water parameters for Brochis sodalis in an aquarium are a temperature between 22°C and 26°C, a pH value of 6.0 to 7.0, and a hardness of 2 to 25 dH. These values help to create a healthy and stable environment for the fish.
Compatibility with Other Residents
Brochis sodalis is a peaceful species that can live well with other peaceful fish. Suitable tank mates include small characins such as neon tetras, rasboras, and small cichlids. It is important not to house them with larger or more aggressive species as this can cause stress.
Breeding Corydoras sodalis
Not much is known about the breeding of this species. Ian Fuller describes how almost a hundred eggs were deposited on the glass after a water change. After four days the eggs hatched and another two days later the young swam free. They were raised on micro-nematodes and Artemia nauplii.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Breeding Tank
Brochis sodalis can be bred in a normal aquarium or a special breeding tank. However, for best results, a special tank is often recommended. This tank should be at least 45 to 60 liters to provide sufficient space for the fish and their offspring.
Water quality
The water quality in the breeding tank is crucial. The water should be between 22°C and 26°C, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and a hardness of 2 to 12 dH. Regular water changes are important to maintain the water quality, especially during the breeding period.
Lighting and Filtration
The lighting in the breeding tank should not be too bright; moderate lighting is ideal to create a natural environment. For filtration, an air pump with a sponge filter is recommended. This type of filter ensures good water circulation without sucking in the young fish, which is essential for their survival.
Food and Conditioning
It is important to condition the fish with a varied diet to prepare them for breeding. This can consist of high-quality frozen or live food, such as mosquito larvae and Artemia. Providing a varied diet helps the fish to get into optimal condition, which increases the chance of successful breeding.
Breeding Group and Ratio
When breeding Brochis sodalis it is advisable to form a breeding group with a ratio of two males to one female. This increases the chance of successful matings, as males can encourage each other and create competition, which promotes the urge to breed. It is not necessary to temporarily separate the males and females before putting them back together, but it can be useful to place them in a separate breeding environment to stimulate their breeding behavior.
The Spawn
Courting Ritual and T-Position
The courtship ritual of Brochis sodalis, similar to other Corydoras species, involves a specific behavioral sequence known as the T-position. In this position, the male positions himself so that his body forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the female. During this position, the male holds the female with his pectoral fins. During the holding, the female lays an egg and the male releases some sperm to fertilize the egg. The female holds the egg with her pelvic fins.
Spawn location and Behavior
Brochis sodalis are egg layers that usually lay their eggs on a smooth surface, such as the aquarium wall or plant leaves. They are not mouth brooders, and the eggs are not laid in a cave. Instead, the eggs are laid openly and exposed, often in clusters of 1 to 4 eggs per clutch. This usually occurs in the early morning, when the fish are most active and the conditions in the aquarium are optimal.
You can control the location of the eggs a little. Direct the outflow of the filter towards the glass of the aquarium. Usually, the eggs are deposited where the current hits the glass.
Number and Characteristics of Eggs
In a successful spawning, a female can lay between 50 and 100 eggs, depending on her condition and age. The eggs are small, about 1 to 2 mm in diameter, and are transparent or pale yellow in color. This makes them relatively difficult to see, especially if laid on a smooth surface.
Special breeding tank
If you are serious about breeding this species, we recommend a special breeding aquarium. Other fish eat the eggs, and the eggs are also not safe for the parents! After laying the eggs, it is best to remove the parents from the breeding aquarium.
Breeding works like other Callichthyidae species: The 8 steps in breeding Corydoras.
Particularities
Brochis sodalis, also known as the False Network Catfish, has some interesting characteristics and peculiarities that have not been discussed before. These aspects can help aquarists to better understand this fish species and optimize their care.
Taxonomy and Synonyms
Brochis sodalis was first described by Nijssen and Isbrücker in 1986. It is important to note that this species is often confused with other Corydoras species, such as Corydoras reticulatus. One significant difference is that Brochis sodalis does not have a distinct black spot on the dorsal fin, a characteristic of C. reticulatus. This can confuse aquarists and sellers, leading to misidentification in the trade.
Habitat and Behavior
In their natural habitat, Brochis sodalis can be found in small tributaries, streams and pools in the Amazon Basin, particularly in Loreto, Peru and the state of Amazonas, Brazil. These fish are bottom dwellers and tend to live in groups, which promotes their social behavior. Keeping them in a school of at least 6 to 8 individuals is important, as they feel more confident and active in larger groups.
Nutrition and Diet
Brochis sodalis is an omnivorous species that will accept a wide variety of foods. They are particularly fond of live foods such as bloodworms , brine shrimp and daphnia , and high-quality sinking pellets and tablets. It is crucial to ensure that there is always food on the bottom of the aquarium so that they can display their natural behavior and forage for food.
Breeding behavior
When breeding Brochis sodalis it is important to know that they adopt a T-position during spawning. In this position, the male holds the female with his pectoral fins, after which the sperm is released and the eggs are fertilized. This behavior is characteristic of many Corydoras species and is an important aspect of their breeding ritual.
Conclusion
Brochis sodalis, the False Reticulated Catfish, is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. These peaceful fish are easy to care for and thrive in a community tank, provided they are kept in groups of at least six. Their social nature and attractive appearance make them a pleasant addition to any aquarium. Paying attention to water quality and providing a varied diet to ensure their health is important.
A remarkable feature of Brochis sodalis is their ability to adapt to different environments, which makes them robust. Although they do not show significant parental care, they are fascinating to observe during spawning. My experience with this species has been mostly positive; they are easy to keep and fun to watch, especially during their social interactions and breeding behavior.
Authors
John de Lange
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