
AI-generated image
Brochis robineae
A long-snouted cory from the upper Rio Negro in Brazil, with a dark lateral stripe and a boldly barred tail that earns it the name bannertail catfish. Peaceful and social.
This cory was long known as Corydoras robineae, but a recent revision moved it to Brochis, and FishBase now treats Brochis robineae as the valid name; the trade name comes from the old name. A small callichthyid catfish of the main channel and tributaries of the upper Rio Negro in Brazil, it reaches 4.4 cm SL (FishBase). Its somewhat long snout, dark lateral stripe and several black bars across the caudal fin make it easy to recognise, and the tail gives it the English name bannertail catfish. It can gulp air for intestinal breathing and prefers well-oxygenated water with some current. Peaceful and social, it suits community tanks. It has only been bred in aquaria relatively recently and is regarded as harder to spawn than many corys. It is regularly available from Japanese specialist shops.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Bannertail catfish grows to Up to 4.4 cm SL (FishBase).
The ideal temperature for the Bannertail catfish is 23〜26℃.
Origin
South America (upper Rio Negro, Brazil)
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
Up to 4.4 cm SL (FishBase)
Temperature
23〜26℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Omnivore (sinking prepared foods, frozen foods)
23-26°C, pH 6.0-8.0, 5-12 dH (FishBase); Seriously Fish gives 21-26°C and pH 6.5-7.5. It likes oxygen-rich water, so provide surface movement and some flow.
Use fine sand with smooth rocks and driftwood for shelter, plus dense planting and some floating cover. Avoid undergravel filters and keep the substrate clean.
Very peaceful; suits small characins, cyprinids, anabantoids and dwarf cichlids. Keep a group of six or more.
Takes most sinking dried foods; add frozen or live bloodworm, brine shrimp and chopped earthworm for variety.
Considered harder to spawn than many corys. Use about two males per female and, when females fill with eggs, make large cooler water changes while increasing oxygen and flow.
Because the valid name is now Brochis robineae, books and sale listings often show the old name Corydoras robineae alongside.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Bannertail catfish is 23〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Bannertail catfish typically reaches Up to 4.4 cm SL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Bannertail catfish feeds on: Omnivore (sinking prepared foods, frozen foods). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Bannertail catfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026