Emerald catfish: Care Guide, Tank Mates and Breeding
Emerald Catfish is a popular freshwater metallic green coloured aquarium fish.
This fish is best known for being a peaceful schooling fish and a great tank mate.
They will live on the floor or bottom of the aquarium, which helps clean the aquarium and is relatively easy to breed.
If you are interested in keeping Emerald Catfish, then you are in the right place.
This care guide will teach you everything you need to know about Emerald Catfish, including their diet, tank mates and breeding.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about keeping a healthy and happy Emerald Catfish.
What is Emerald catfish?
The Emerald Catfish, also known as the Green Catfish, is a freshwater catfish native to South America. It is found in the Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin and Parana-Paraguay Basin.
They are famous for their individuality among catfish species and their beautiful, iridescent green colouration.
Though they are often kept as pets, Emerald Catfish can grow quite large, reaching 18 inches in length.
They belong to the Callichthyidae family and are fish of shy nature that do best in groups. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation.
Diet consists mainly of plant matter, though they will also consume small invertebrates.
Emerald catfish are due to being schooling fish known to be very peaceful, making them a great addition to community tanks.
However, because of their size, they should only be kept with larger fish.
The Emerald Catfish is not currently considered endangered. However, their population has declined in recent years due to habitat loss and pollution.
But due to its peaceful temperament, attractive appearance and high tank mate compatibility, this fish is gaining popularity among aquarium lovers daily.
If you want to add this fish to the aquarium tank, you will have to spend approx $10-$12. You can buy them from the nearest pet stores or online websites.
Emerald Catfish is the best choice if you are looking for low maintenance, peaceful and beautiful fish for your aquarium.
Species overview of Emerald catfish
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras splendens |
| Common Name: | Emerald catfish |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Max Size: | 4.5 cm (1.75 in) |
| Depth: | 0 – 50 m (0 – 164 ft) |
| Distribution: S | outh America; found in the Orinoco, Amazon, and Paraná river basins. |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Reef Compatible: | No |
| Life Span: | 5 – 10 years |
| Aquarium Environment: | Freshwater |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 30 litres (8 gallons) |
| Tank Temperature: | 22.2 – 26.7°C (72 – 80°F) |
| Water Movement: | Moderate |
| Compatibility: | Peaceful |
| Water Conditions: | Soft to medium hardness, neutral to slightly acidic pH. |
The Emerald catfish (Corydoras splendens) is a small freshwater catfish native to South America.
It is a member of the Corydoradinae subfamily, which contains many other popular aquarium fish, such as the common pleco (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus).
The Emerald catfish typically reaches a maximum length of 4.5 cm (1.75 in) and is one of the smaller members of the Corydoras genus.
Its body is silver-green, with black bands running along its sides. The dorsal (upper) fin and adipose (fatty) fin are both edged in black, while the pectoral (side) fins are transparent.
The Emerald catfish is a peaceful species that do well in aquariums with other small, delicate fish. It is not suitable for life in a reef aquarium.
Pros And Cons Of Emerald catfish
Now I’ll tell you some pros and cons of Emerald catfish that can help you decide whether or not this is the right fish for your aquarium.
Appearance
The Emerald Catfish is a beautiful, iridescent green colour.
They have long, slender bodies with long fins. Their eyes are large and expressive.
Their heads and mouths are somewhat elongated like an elephant’s nose, which gives them their scientific name “Glyptosternon”.
The dorsal part is green from head to tail, and the lower belly is white. From a distance, the tanker looks like it is burning in the water because of how the light reflects off it.
A single fin is located on either side of the head. The total number of gills of this fish is four. The ventral fins are shorter than the anal and dorsal fins.
They have several barbels on the surface of their beaks, with which they feel their way around looking for food.
The Emerald Catfish is a popular aquarium fish because of its unique appearance. It is also a hardy fish that can adapt to many water conditions.
However, they are sensitive to changes in water quality and should be kept in a well-maintained aquarium.
Lifespan
The Emerald Catfish has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.
However, In captivity, the Emerald Catfish can live up to 20 years with proper care. The key to keeping them healthy and happy is to provide them with a clean and stable environment.
A 2018 study found that most Emerald Catfish live only for about 4 years in the wild.
The study found that these fish’ leading cause of death is predation. Other causes of death include disease, old age, and malnutrition.
A well-maintained aquarium with good water quality is essential for their long-term health.
It is important to research before adding one to your home, as they have specific care requirements. But if you are willing to put in the time and effort, they make a great addition to any
household.
Growth Rate
The Emerald Catfish proliferates, reaching a maximum length of 12 inches (30 cm). They are considered full-grown once they get 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm).
In the wild, they can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm), but in captivity, they usually only grow to about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm).
The Emerald Catfish is a sexually dimorphic species, meaning that the males and females can be told apart by their physical appearance.
Males are typically larger than females and have longer fins. The anal fin of the male is also longer than the anal fin of the female.
Colour Varieties
There are two main colour varieties of Emerald Catfish, the green variety and the albino variety.
The green variety is the most common and natural colour of the fish. The albino type is less common and is a result of captive breeding.
Albino Emerald Catfish are rare and highly sought after by aquarium hobbyists. They are magnificent fish with white bodies and red eyes.
The albino variety is more sensitive to changes in water quality and should only be kept by experienced aquarists.
Typical Behavior
The Emerald Catfish is a peaceful fish that gets along well with other tank mates. They are not known to be aggressive and are generally shy around humans.
They are nocturnal creatures and will spend most of their day hiding in caves or plants. At night, they will come out to forage for food.
The Emerald Catfish is a bottom-dweller and can often be seen swimming close to the substrate.
They are not known to jump out of tanks and are considered good swimmers.
The Emerald Catfish is an active fish that does best in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and room to swim.
They are hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. However, they are sensitive to changes in water quality and should be kept in a well-maintained aquarium.
Emerald Catfish are not known to be aggressive, but they may nip at the fins of other tank mates if they feel threatened.
The Personality of the Emerald Catfish
Now you know some of the physical traits of the Emerald Catfish, but what about their personality?
Here are 5 personality traits of the Emerald Catfish:
Very friendly and loving fish
Regarding the personality of this fish, the Emerald Catfish is a very friendly and loving fish.
They have been known to be very outgoing and social with other fish and their owners. They are also considered curious fish, always exploring their surroundings.
Calm and peaceful
The Emerald Catfish is also a calm and peaceful fish.
They are not known to be aggressive or territorial towards other fish. They are also not known to be very active, so they are perfect for a relaxing aquarium.
Good algae eaters
If you have an issue with algae in your aquarium, the Emerald Catfish is an excellent choice to help control it.
They are known to be good algae eaters and will help keep your tank clean.
Hardy fish
The Emerald Catfish is a hardy fish that can tolerate many water conditions.
This makes them a good choice for beginner aquarium owners. They are also not very sensitive to changes in their environment, so they can be easy to care for.
Require little maintenance
Overall, the Emerald Catfish is a low-maintenance fish.
They are not picky eaters and do not require special care or attention. They will be happy and healthy if you provide them with a good quality diet and a clean tank.
Now you know some of the personality traits of the Emerald Catfish.
Keep these things in mind if you are thinking about adding one to your aquarium. They make a great addition to any tank and can be a fun and loving fish to have as a pet.
Care Guide for Emerald catfish
Although this fish is straightforward to care for, some guidelines exist before adding it to the aquarium tank.
Now that you know some basics about the Emerald Catfish, it’s time to learn how to care for them.
Here is a quick care guide to help you get started:
Aquarium Tank Setup
The Emerald Catfish is a peaceful community fish that does well in most aquariums. A 20-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group of these fish.
Be sure to include plenty of hiding places and soft, sandy substrate. These fish are not known to be fin nippers, but they may nibble on slow-moving tankmates.
The water temperature should be kept between 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline (6.8-7.5).
Food and Diet
In the wild, Emerald Catfish eat a variety of small invertebrates and algae. In the aquarium, they will readily accept most sinking pellets and freeze-dried foods.
To keep your fish healthy and vibrant, we recommend offering a variety of foods. This can include live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Food Nutrition
- Protein — 0.20%
- Fat —— 0.4%
- Moisture —– 76%
How Often Should I Feed My Emerald catfish?
Emerald catfish are bottom-feeders that scavenge for food in their natural habitat.
In the aquarium, they should be fed a diet of sinking pellets or flakes and live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.
Feed your Emerald catfish 2-3 times per week, and provide them with enough food to eat their fill in 2-3 minutes.
Remove uneaten food after this time to prevent over-feeding and water quality issues.
If you are unsure whether your Emerald catfish are getting enough to eat, observe their bellies; if they are rounded and plump, they are probably well-fed.
My Recommendation on food brand
I recommend the TetraFin Goldfish Flakes, a high-quality diet perfect for Emerald catfish.
This food contains essential nutrients and vitamins to keep your fish healthy and vibrant.
The flakes are also a good size for bottom-feeding fish like Emerald catfish. TetraFin Goldfish Flakes can be found at most pet stores.
Water Conditions
Emerald catfish are very tolerant of a wide range of water conditions but prefer slightly alkaline water (pH 6.8-7.5). The water temperature should be kept between 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be sure to do regular water changes to keep the tank clean and the water quality high. A 20-per cent water change every 2 weeks is sufficient for most aquariums.
When performing water changes, use a siphon to remove the dirty water and be careful not to disturb the substrate too much.
Habitat And Ecology
Emerald catfish prefer slow-moving or standing waters with plenty of vegetation. They are often found in canals, ditches, ponds, and lakes.
These fish feed on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and aquatic plants in their natural habitat.
These fish are not known to be aggressive, but they may nibble on the fins of other fish if they are kept in too small of an aquarium.
Emerald catfish are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are best kept in groups of 3 or more.
Optimal Tank Conditions
| Water Type: | Freshwater |
| Tank Size: | 20 gallons |
| Water Temperature: | 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Substrate: | Soft, sandy substrate |
| Tank Setup: | Aquarium with plenty of hiding places |
| Acidity: | Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.8-7.5) |
| Water Hardness: | Medium |
| Salinity: | Low to medium |
| Filter: | Yes |
| Bubbler: | Yes |
| Lighting: | Yes |
| Water Heater: | Yes (if needed to maintain water temperature) |
When setting up a freshwater aquarium, there are a few key things you need to remember to create optimal conditions for your fish.
First, you’ll need to choose the right water type. For most freshwater fish, tap water is excellent.
However, it’s always a good idea to test the water before adding fish to ensure the pH levels are within the ideal range. The perfect pH level for a freshwater aquarium is between 6.8 and 7.5.
Next, you’ll need to choose the right size tank. A good rule of thumb is to get a tank that’s at least 20 gallons.
This will give your fish plenty of room to swim around and explore.
When setting up your freshwater aquarium, the water temperature is also essential. Most fish do best in water that’s between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you need to, you can use a water heater to maintain the ideal water temperature for your fish.
Another critical element of setting up a freshwater aquarium is the substrate. You’ll use this material to line the bottom of the tank.
For most freshwater fish, a soft, sandy substrate is best. This will help keep their delicate fins and scales healthy.
Finally, you’ll need to add some hiding places to your freshwater aquarium. This can be anything from rocks to plants.
Adding hiding places will help your fish feel more secure and less stressed.
Overall, the key things to remember when setting up a freshwater aquarium are:
- Choose the right water type
- Test the water before adding any fish
- Choose the right size tank
- Maintain the ideal water temperature
- Use a soft, sandy substrate
- Add hiding places to the tank
Tank Mates
Emerald catfish are schooling fish that need at least 4 of their kind to be happy. They are peaceful and can live with most community fish.
Some good tank mates for them are:
- Neon Tetras
- Guppies
- Platies
- Mollies
- Swordsplants
- Corydoras Catfish
- Kuhli Loaches
- Plecostomus Catfish
- Bristlenose Catfish
Avoid putting them with too big or aggressive fish as they may bully or eat the Emerald catfish.
Also, avoid putting them with too small fish as they may accidentally get eaten.
Breeding Your Emerald catfish
Emerald catfish are not difficult to breed in the home aquarium. They are egg-layers and will scatter their eggs among plants or other objects in the tank.
The eggs will hatch in 3-5 days, and the fry will be free-swimming a week later.
To increase your chances of success, it’s best to separate the breeding pair into their tank. This tank should have at least 10 gallons and plenty of hiding places.
The male will build a bubble nest near the surface of the water. Once the female is ready to lay her eggs, she will release them into the bubble nest.
The male will then fertilize the eggs and will begin hatching in 3-5 days. Once the fry is free-swimming, they can be fed baby brine shrimp or other small live foods.
Breeding Emerald catfish is not thorny and can be a fun project for any freshwater aquarium hobbyist.
Common disease Emerald catfish
Emerald catfish are relatively hardy fish and don’t succumb to disease often. However, there are a few diseases that they are susceptible to, such as:
Ich: This is a common freshwater fish disease caused by a parasite. Symptoms include white spots on the skin, loss of appetite, and listlessness.
To treat ich, you’ll need to raise the water temperature to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 days. You can also use a commercial ich treatment.
Columnaris: This is a bacterial infection that’s common in freshwater fish. Symptoms include grey or white patches on the skin, loss of appetite, and listlessness.
To treat columnaris, you’ll need to use a commercial columnaris treatment.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your Emerald catfish, it’s essential to treat them immediately. Left untreated, these diseases can quickly kill your fish.
Overall, Emerald catfish are relatively hardy fish. However, like all fish, they are susceptible to disease. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your fish, it’s essential to treat them immediately.
How to prevent the disease Emerald catfish?
The best way to prevent disease in Emerald catfish is to maintain a clean and healthy aquarium.
This means doing regular water changes, testing the water regularly, and keeping the tank free of debris.
It’s also important to quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank. This will help prevent the spread of disease.
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your fish, it’s essential to treat them immediately. Left untreated, these diseases can quickly kill your fish.
Overall, the best way to prevent disease in Emerald catfish is to maintain a clean and healthy aquarium.
This means doing regular water changes, testing the water regularly, and keeping the tank free of debris.
Now you know how to prevent disease in Emerald catfish! If you have any more questions about keeping your fish healthy, be sure to ask your veterinarian.
How to Add Emerald catfish to Your Aquarium Tank?
Adding emerald catfish to your aquarium tank can be a great way to add some colour and life to your fish tank.
Emerald catfish are known for their beautiful green colouration and are a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
When adding emerald catfish to your tank, it is essential to remember that they are schooling fish, so you will need to add at least three or four fish to your tank.
Adding emerald catfish to your aquarium tank is a relatively straightforward process, and these fish are generally peaceful and can get along well with other tank mates.
Here are some tips on how to add emerald catfish to your aquarium tank:
1. Choose the right size tank for your fish. Emerald catfish need at least a 20-gallon tank, so make sure you have enough space for your fish before purchasing them.
2. Add some plants to your tank. Emerald catfish like to have places to hide and feel safe, so adding some plants to your tank will help them feel comfortable.
3. Slowly acclimate your fish to the new tank. When you first add your emerald catfish to the tank, it is vital to accommodate them to the fresh water conditions slowly.
4. Feed your fish a variety of foods. Emerald catfish are not picky eaters, but they need a variety of foods to stay healthy.
5. Keep your tank clean. Emerald catfish are sensitive to water quality, so it is crucial to keep your tank clean and free of ammonia and nitrates.
Adding emerald catfish to your aquarium tank can be a great way to add some colour and life to your fish tank.
These beautiful fish are peaceful and easy to care for, making them a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
With a bit of planning and preparation, you can easily add emerald catfish to your tank and create a stunning underwater world for your fish to enjoy.
History And First Sighting
The first scientific description of the emerald catfish was by Pieter Bleeker in 1851. He gave it the name Corydoras concolor.
The fish was collected in the Rio Tocantins, Brazil. In 1905, Albert Günther changed the name to Brochis splendens.
The first sighting in the aquarium trade was in 1910. The fish were collected by William A. Emboden and were imported into the United States.
They were distributed to several dealers and quickly became popular among aquarists.
My thoughts
I think that emerald catfish are a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They are beautiful fish that are easy to care for and make a great addition to any tank.
If you are looking for a fish that will add colour and life to your aquarium, I would recommend adding some emerald catfish to your tank.
If you have questions about emerald catfish or any other fish, please feel free to leave me a comment, and I will be happy to help.