Hog-nosed Brochis Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Hog-nosed Brochis are large, robust members of the Corydoras group, recognised by their elongated snout, tall dorsal fin and strongly armoured body. Their base colour is silvery to pale olive, with darker markings across the back and flanks that help break up their outline among roots, leaves and shadowed river margins.

Despite their substantial size, they are peaceful, sociable catfish. They spend much of their time searching the bottom with sensitive barbels, but they also rise regularly to gulp atmospheric air, an adaptation shared by many Corydoras and related callichthyid catfish.

In nature, this species is associated with warm Amazonian streams and tributaries where seasonal changes alter water levels and flow. Its broad head and probing snout are well suited to sifting through soft sediments and leaf litter in search of small prey and edible organic matter.

Hog-nosed Brochis were historically placed in the genus Brochis because of their larger build and high dorsal-fin ray count. Modern classifications generally include them within Corydoras, although the older name remains widely used in the aquarium hobby.

Hog-nosed Brochis are native to the upper Amazon basin of South America, particularly the clear and slow-moving tributaries of eastern Ecuador and neighbouring northwestern Peru. They occur in forested freshwater environments associated with sandy bottoms, leaf litter and submerged vegetation.

A group of Hog-nosed Brochis should be kept in an aquarium of at least 100 litres, with a footprint around 90 by 35 cm or larger. Use soft sand or another smooth, rounded substrate so their delicate barbels are not damaged while foraging. Provide open bottom space, shaded areas, smooth wood, rounded stones, robust plants and leaf litter, with gentle to moderate water movement and efficient filtration. A secure lid is useful because Corydoras can occasionally jump when surfacing for air.

Adults can reach approximately 8.5 cm (3.3 inches) in standard length. Females are usually larger and fuller-bodied than males, with exceptional females sometimes approaching 9 cm (3.5 inches) including normal variation.

Offer a varied omnivorous diet based on quality sinking catfish pellets or wafers, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and finely chopped earthworm. Blanched vegetables and occasional vegetable-based foods can add variety, although animal protein should form an important part of the diet for growing and adult fish. Feed after the lights dim where possible, and ensure food reaches the whole group rather than assuming they will survive on leftovers.

Hog-nosed Brochis are peaceful community fish and can be housed with similarly peaceful South American species such as peaceful tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, peaceful rasboras, smaller peaceful barbs and other calm Corydoras. They may also live with peaceful dwarf cichlids and appropriately sized livebearers when water requirements are compatible. Avoid large predatory fish, fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids and boisterous bottom dwellers that may outcompete or harass them.

Hog-nosed Brochis are egg-scattering catfish that can be encouraged to spawn with plentiful high-quality food and a partial water change using slightly cooler, clean water. The female carries a small number of eggs between her pelvic fins while the male fertilises them, after which she places the adhesive eggs on aquarium glass, plants or other smooth surfaces. Adults may eat the eggs, so move the eggs or separate the parents after spawning. The eggs usually hatch in several days, and the fry can be raised on tiny first foods before progressing to finely crushed foods and small live or frozen fare.

Females are generally broader through the body and slightly larger overall, particularly when carrying eggs. Males are usually slimmer and a little shorter, but the differences can be subtle outside mature, well-conditioned groups.