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Brochis pantanalensis C05 is a peaceful South American catfish valued for its sturdy shape, sensitive barbels, and active bottom-dwelling behavior. Associated with Brazil’s Pantanal, this Corydoradinae has a subtly patterned appearance that becomes especially attractive in a well-designed aquarium. The C05 code is used in the aquarium trade for this form or population. Very rare in the hobby, it deserves careful attention, particularly because available specimens may be wild-collected. A proper group, a soft substrate, and stable water conditions are essential for its long-term well-being.

General species description

Brochis pantanalensis C05 belongs to the armored catfish, a group recognized by its bony plates and sensory barbels. It spends much of its time searching through the substrate, but regularly rises to the surface to swallow atmospheric air through its intestinal respiration. Its behavior is generally peaceful and social, so it should be kept in a group of at least six individuals. Its rarity in the trade makes it a sought-after fish among specialist aquarists. Group behavior and constant bottom feeding are two of its most useful identifying characteristics.

Geographic origin and biotope

This species comes from the Brazilian Pantanal, a vast floodplain in central-western Brazil. It is associated with the upper Paraguay basin, where water levels change considerably with the seasons. Its natural habitat includes quiet or slow-moving areas, secondary channels, and seasonally flooded zones. Water may be clear to slightly stained, with substantial organic debris during certain periods. In the aquarium, clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle filtration is more appropriate than a permanently strong current.

Precise location and local name

The C05 code is generally associated with the rio Cuiabá, in Mato Grosso State, at the heart of the Pantanal region. In the local and aquarium trade, it is mainly known as the Pantanal cory, Corydoras pantanalensis, or Brochis pantanalensis C05. The term “corydoras” remains widely used even when modern classification places the species in the genus Brochis. This wording helps breeders and importers identify the fish, especially for such a rare form.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is stocky, slightly laterally compressed, and covered with protective bony plates. The base color ranges from beige-silver to light brown, with darker net-like markings across the flanks and back. The fins are translucent to slightly yellowish depending on lighting and condition. Like other armored catfish, it has three pairs of barbels around the mouth, which help locate food in the substrate. The reticulated pattern, bony plates, and inferior mouth are its main visible characteristics.

General diet

Brochis pantanalensis C05 is an omnivore with an insect-eating tendency that searches for food along the bottom. It accepts quality sinking tablets, suitable pellets, and frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, or bloodworms. Food should reach the substrate so the fish can feed without excessive competition. Live or frozen foods are particularly useful when conditioning adults. A varied diet and feeding after the lights are partly dimmed often encourage better feeding activity.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Cuiabá
• Local name used: Pantanal cory
• Origin of the scientific name: Brochis is the genus name; pantanalensis refers to the Pantanal.
• Full-name etymology: Brochis is the genus name; pantanalensis means “from the Pantanal.”
• Common/vernacular names: Pantanal cory, Corydoras pantanalensis, Brochis pantanalensis C05
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Subfamily: Corydoradinae
• Name pronunciation: BROH-kiss - pan-ta-na-LEN-sis
• Discovery: Hans-Georg Knaack, 2001
• Maximum adult size: About 6.5 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 22 to 28 °C; pH 6.0 to 7.5
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Quiet to slow-moving water, floodplain habitat, and aquatic or riparian vegetation that varies with the season.
• Typical tankmates: Peaceful small characins, small South American dwarf cichlids, other calm catfish, and non-predatory midwater species.
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, social, active on the bottom, and occasionally inclined to make brief surface trips.
• Water depth: Shallow to moderately deep areas of secondary channels and flooded zones.
• Sexual dimorphism: Females are generally broader and fuller-bodied; differences are easier to see in adults from above.
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand or mud, plant debris, and low to moderate flow.

In your aquarium

Success begins with a fine, non-abrasive sand substrate that protects the barbels while the fish forage. Keep a group of at least six in stable, well-oxygenated water with low nitrogen waste. Since specimens may be wild-collected, careful quarantine and gradual acclimation are recommended. Provide open feeding areas, several shelters, and a varied sinking diet. Avoid aggressive or highly competitive tankmates. With these conditions, Brochis pantanalensis C05 can display natural behavior and maintain good long-term condition.