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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 best kept in a group of six or more. It shoals along the bottom, sifting sand with its barbels, and settles in well with calm community fish that share warm, soft water. Feed sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and daphnia, and the occasional wafer, always making sure the food reaches the substrate. A group is comfortable in a tank of around 60 liters or larger, with open sandy areas to forage over.

In the wild

Corydoras sodalis lives in the Amazon of northeastern Peru and neighboring Brazil, over sand in warm, soft, slightly acidic water. Give it a soft sand bed, driftwood, dried leaves, and shaded planting, with clean, gently filtered water. Keep the temperature between 22 and 26 C and the pH from about 6.0 to 7.5. Steady water changes keep this patterned cory looking its best.

Good to know

This armored catfish of the family Callichthyidae reaches about 5.5 cm and wears a fine dark, net like pattern over a silvery body. Its name sodalis is Latin for companion, chosen for its close resemblance to the network cory, Corydoras reticulatus. It lacks the solid black blotch that reticulatus shows in the dorsal fin. Aquarium breeding has been achieved but is rated difficult, needing soft, clean water and well conditioned adults.

Did you know

The name false network catfish, and the Latin sodalis meaning companion, both point to a case of mistaken identity: this fish closely copies the true network cory, Corydoras reticulatus, but can be told apart because it lacks the dark blotch in the dorsal fin.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

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.

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.

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