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False network catfish

Brochis sodalis

Also known as Corydoras sodalis, False Network Cory

FreshwaterFish

False network catfish (Brochis sodalis)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
2.2 in
5.5 cm
Minimum tank
16 gal
60 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Callichthyidae
Origin
Peru, Brazil

Overview

The false network catfish is a peaceful, sociable cory that shoals along the bottom, and it suits a keeper with some experience.

Did you know

The false network catfish takes its species name, sodalis, from the Latin for companion. The name was chosen for its close resemblance to the network cory, Corydoras reticulatus.

Caring for the false network catfish

Keep false network catfish in a group of six or more, in 16 gal (60 L) or larger. Leave open sandy areas for them to forage over. Give them a soft sand bed for sifting with their barbels, plus driftwood, dried leaves and shaded planting.

Keep the water warm, soft, clean and gently filtered, at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Steady water changes keep this patterned cory looking its best. Feed sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, and the occasional wafer, and make sure the food reaches the substrate.

False network catfish are peaceful and settle in well with calm community fish that share their warm, soft water. They have been bred in aquaria, but breeding them is difficult. It takes soft, clean water and well-conditioned adults.

Good to know

The false network catfish is an armored catfish of the family Callichthyidae, with a fine dark, net-like pattern over a silvery body. It can be told from the network cory because it lacks the solid black blotch that reticulatus shows in the dorsal fin. Its accepted name is Brochis sodalis, and Corydoras sodalis is another name for it.

In the wild

The false network catfish lives in the Amazon of northeastern Peru and neighboring Brazil. It is found over sand in warm, soft, slightly acidic water.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The false network catfish is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a false network catfish need?

A false network catfish needs at least 16 gal (60 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a false network catfish need?

A false network catfish is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a false network catfish eat?

A false network catfish eats sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, and the occasional wafer. Make sure the food reaches the substrate.

How big does a false network catfish get?

An adult false network catfish reaches about 2.2 in (5.5 cm).

Does a false network catfish need a group?

Yes. A false network catfish is a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

How does a false network catfish breed?

False network catfish have been bred in aquaria, but it is difficult. Breeding takes soft, clean water and well-conditioned adults.

Related species