Brochis robineae (formerly: Corydoras robineae) stands out from the large number of armored catfish species that exist due to its unique tail fin pattern. Only in B. robineae is the caudal fin horizontally striped (in all other species it is colorless or vertically striped). Such a striking caudal fin pattern is also rarely found in other fish. In the armored catfish family, Dianema urostriatum (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/dianema-urostriatum-2/) and otherwise some tetras of the genus Semaprochilodus (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/09-characoids-tetra-relationship/semaprochilodus-laticeps-taeniurus-2/) and Rummy noses show a similar pattern.
The conspicuous species B. robineae was only discovered and described late – in 1983. The first animals described came from the Rio Aiuana, a southern tributary of the middle Rio Negro in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Although breeding is not necessarily difficult (soft and acidic water is helpful), most animals in the trade are wild-caught. Accordingly, there is a season for these fish, which is roughly between September and February. Before and after that, B. robineae is rarely available. Old females – the females are generally somewhat larger than the males – can reach a length of up to 7 cm. However, these fish usually grow to a length of 5-6 cm. They are typical armored catfish and should be cared for as usual, but you should never keep only small groups of this species, but rather a larger group, as they are very much schooling fish.
For our customers: the animals have code 244003 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
