Emerald catfish (Brochis) tank mates
A chunky emerald-green bottom fish at 7 cm that thrives in schools on sand. Similar to corydoras in care but larger and slightly more robust.
Common mistakeBuying two emerald brochis as bottom cleaners is how keepers invent reclusive, stressed fish that hide all day. They need a school and soft substrate. Five or more on sand beats a decorative pair on sharp gravel — cleanup marketing is not a stocking plan for Brochis.
Each name below opens a pair check with Emerald catfish (Brochis). That check is the decision, not the list itself.
Usually safer companions
Conservative shortlist from this profile. Open a pair page before you buy.
The Emerald catfish (Brochis) profile lists Dwarf Gourami as a recommended pairing. Dwarf Gourami swims in the top zone while Emerald catfish (Brochis) stays in the bottom, so the two will not crowd the same water column.
The Emerald catfish (Brochis) profile lists Ember Tetra as both safe and a recommended pairing. Ember Tetra schools in groups of 8 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish. Ember Tetra swims in the middle zone while Emerald catfish (Brochis) stays in the bottom, so the two will not crowd the same water column.
The Emerald catfish (Brochis) profile lists Neon Tetra as both safe and a recommended pairing. Neon Tetra schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish. Neon Tetra swims in the middle zone while Emerald catfish (Brochis) stays in the bottom, so the two will not crowd the same water column.
Risky or situational
May work with more water, a mature system, or a species-only setup. Read the pair page before you experiment.
Angelfish reaches 20cm and is flagged predatory or as likely to eat small fish. Adult-size Emerald catfish (Brochis) at 7cm is inside that gape range. Angelfish is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Emerald catfish (Brochis). Run the pair checker before stocking.
Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.
Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.
Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.
Marked risky or situational on the profile. Tank length and group size change the outcome more than a temperament label does.
Pea Puffer is flagged predatory. Equal-size adults usually coexist, but the moment one is stressed, sick, or smaller after a moult, it becomes prey. Pea Puffer is rated semi-aggressive, so expect chasing, fin damage, or display behaviour directed at Emerald catfish (Brochis). Run the pair checker before stocking.
Tinfoil barb reaches 35cm and is flagged predatory or as likely to eat small fish. Adult-size Emerald catfish (Brochis) at 7cm is inside that gape range. Run the pair checker before stocking.
Fish to avoid with Emerald catfish (Brochis)
Predation, aggression, or space rules on this profile. Treat these as poor default mixes.
African Cichlid reaches 15cm and is flagged predatory. Emerald catfish (Brochis) at 7cm is prey-sized for it. African Cichlid is rated aggressive and Emerald catfish (Brochis) is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Jack Dempsey reaches 25cm and is flagged predatory. Emerald catfish (Brochis) at 7cm is prey-sized for it. Jack Dempsey is rated aggressive and Emerald catfish (Brochis) is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Oscar reaches 35cm and is flagged predatory. Emerald catfish (Brochis) at 7cm is prey-sized for it. Oscar needs at least 300L, far above the 120L minimum for Emerald catfish (Brochis). The tank that houses one stresses the other. Oscar is rated aggressive and Emerald catfish (Brochis) is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Tank size and groups
- Published minimum for Emerald catfish (Brochis): 120L. Group minimum 5 (schooling).
- Compatibility changes when the tank is too short for turning, too little for a real school, or too warm for one species and not the other. That is why pair checks include tank context, not only temperament.
- Nearest litre hub to this minimum: 120L hub.
Plan before you buy
Start a pair check with Emerald catfish (Brochis), or open a starter plan with the top safer companions in the builder.
Tank hubs: 120L
Related reading
Guides that list other fish with the same trait, so you can plan around the group rather than one row.
- Schooling & group fish →
Plan the group of 5+ before choosing tank mates.
- Beginner-friendly freshwater fish →
Emerald catfish (Brochis) is on this list. Hardier options for a first stock.
- Peaceful community fish →
Other peaceful species to shortlist beside Emerald catfish (Brochis).
Filtration & heating
A 120L minimum tank for Emerald catfish (Brochis) needs a filter rated for at least 480L/hr turnover and a heater maintaining 22–28°C.
Similar fish (same category)
- Bronze corydoras · min 100L
- Sterba's Corydoras · min 100L
- Upside-down Catfish · min 100L
- Twig / whiptail catfish · min 150L
- Adolfoi cory · min 80L
- Glass Catfish · min 80L
- Peppered Corydoras · min 80L
- Corydoras Catfish · min 60L
Related (care + temperament)
Emerald catfish (Brochis) tank mates — quick answers
- What fish can live with Emerald catfish (Brochis)?
- Usually safer companions on this hub include Dwarf Gourami, Ember Tetra, Neon Tetra. Open each pair check before you buy — the list is a shortlist, not a guarantee.
- What tank mates should you avoid with Emerald catfish (Brochis)?
- Avoid African Cichlid, Jack Dempsey, Oscar based on size, temperament, or predation risk on this profile.
- What size tank do Emerald catfish (Brochis) need for a community?
- 120L is the planning floor for adult swimming space and bioload. A 146L+ tank is the more comfortable long-term footprint. Length and depth matter as much as raw litres for active or territorial fish.