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Pantanal cory

Brochis pantanalensis

Also known as Corydoras pantanalensis

FreshwaterFish
Pantanal cory (Brochis pantanalensis)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
3 in (7.5 cm)
Minimum tank
26 gal (100 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Common
Origin
Pantanal wetlands drainages of Bolivia and Brazil
Family
Callichthyidae

Overview

Scale the tank to the fish: 100 liters for a shoal of six of these heavyweights. It eats everything sinking and appreciates meaty frozen foods. Breeding has been accomplished repeatedly and follows the classic method, with big females producing large clutches. A hardy, impressive cory for a roomy community.

In the wild

The Pantanal cory lives in the vast seasonal wetlands of the Pantanal, where pools warm, shrink, and flood again through the year. That history makes it adaptable. Keep it over sand with plant cover at 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, pH 6.0 to 7.5, and it takes seasonal temperature drift in stride.

Good to know

Described by Joachim Knaack in 2001 and listed as Brochis pantanalensis in the 2024 revision, this is one of the bulkiest corys, reaching about 7.5 centimeters with a deep body and a mosaic of dark flecks. Males in spawning condition develop a bright green sheen across the flanks that photographs never quite capture.

Did you know

A conditioned male shines metallic green like a beetle's wing case, which is startling the first time you see it on a catfish the size of your thumb.

Tank mates

Pantanal cory is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Pantanal cory need?

A Pantanal cory needs at least 26 gal (100 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Pantanal cory need?

Pantanal cory are comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big do Pantanal cory get?

An adult Pantanal cory reaches about 3 in (7.5 cm).

Do Pantanal cory need a group?

Yes. Pantanal cory are a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Corydoras · Schooling fish · Community fish · Bottom dwellers

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