
Pastaza Corydoras
Corydoras pastazensis
- Care level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 5–6.5 cm
- Minimum tank
- 75 litres
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Species profile
Brochis pantanalensis
Common names: Pantanalensis Corydoras, Pantanal Corydoras, Pantanalensis Cory

Pantanalensis Corydoras is a peaceful South American callichthyid catfish recognised by a robust reticulated body, with mature males capable of showing metallic green, blue, and bronze breeding colour. It should be kept in a same-species group over fine sand in clean, oxygen-rich freshwater.
A large, powerful Brochis with a metallic olive, bronze or green body that can darken dramatically in mature males. Adults may develop extended fins and strong breeding colour, making the sexes more visually distinct than in many Corydoradinae.
Identify this profile by the combination of a robust reticulated body, with mature males capable of showing metallic green, blue, and bronze breeding colour. Older sources commonly list this fish as Corydoras pantanalensis; the current profile follows the accepted or revised placement Brochis pantanalensis. Colour alone can be unreliable in stressed, juvenile, or poorly conditioned fish, so body shape, snout length, fin pattern, and provenance should also be checked.
Mature males often become more intensely coloured and may develop longer fins, while females are broader and heavier through the abdomen. Young fish and subdued adults can still be difficult to sex.
Plan for a robust adult group rather than juvenile size. Use a broad sandy floor, powerful filtration, strong oxygenation, shaded cover and open feeding areas, with decor placed securely and enough room for all fish to forage together.
A peaceful but substantial, energetic bottom fish. It needs enough room for the group to forage without crowding and may unintentionally unsettle very small or delicate tank mates during feeding.
Keep at least 6 of the same species or coded population, with 8 or more preferred where space permits. A mixed collection of single corys does not fully replace a proper same-species group.
It is not territorial. Males may briefly chase one another or follow females during courtship, but sustained aggression is unusual when the group has adequate floor space.
Choose peaceful but sturdy community fish that will not be intimidated by an active adult group. Very small, slow or delicate fish may be unsettled, while aggressive cichlids and large predatory catfish remain unsuitable.
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Xilong XL-803D canister filter – up to 100 LAn external-filter option for the moderate-flow setup described above. The seller lists a 400 L/h pump and an aquarium capacity of up to 100 litres.
Check the volume of your actual aquarium and the needs of its complete stocking. Use the flow control or spray bar to avoid a concentrated current. A larger tank or a species requiring strong river flow needs a different filter selection.
Cut-to-fit aquarium filter media padA cut-to-fit pad for compatible filter compartments. The listing describes a sheet approximately 16 by 12 inches; check the offered variant and the space inside your filter.
The seller description varies between five and eight layers, so confirm the actual sheet before ordering. Keep the filter manufacturer’s media arrangement and avoid obstructing the flow.
Xinyou ceramic filter rings – 300 gA biological-media option for a filter with a suitable media basket. This listing is a 300 g pack of ceramic rings.
Check the ring size and available basket space. Installing new media does not make a new aquarium instantly cycled, and these rings do not replace routine water-quality checks.
Soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water is suitable. Provide good oxygenation and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
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Manual aquarium siphon and gravel cleanerA manual siphon for routine aquarium water changes and accessible waste removal. The seller lists a hose approximately 1.6 m long.
Control the flow and keep the intake clear of fish and delicate planting. Clean the areas appropriate for your substrate and layout rather than disturbing the entire planted bed.
Provide appropriately sized sinking pellets or tablets, supplemented with varied frozen or live invertebrate foods and some plant-based material. Adult groups need deliberate portions, but excess rich food should not be left to foul the substrate.
Feed after faster surface and midwater fish have taken their share, and confirm that every individual reaches food. Use small portions once or twice daily, remove persistent leftovers, and vary prepared and frozen or live foods.
Aquarium breeding is uncommon and should be regarded as an advanced project. Mature fish show stronger seasonal and sexual changes than many corys, but dependable spawning methods and fry-rearing results are not as widely established as for common species.
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