CheckMyFishTank

Emerald Catfish care

Brochis splendens · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Emerald Catfish, painted illustration

A larger, shiny green cory relative that likes warm water.

Smallest tank55 gallons
Adult size3.5 inches
Temperature75 to 80°F
pH6 to 7.5
GroupA group of 6 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsBottom of the tank
Lives8 to 10 years
Watch for: They are larger and need more room and soft sand.

Feeding

Once a day. One or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes. Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Emerald Catfish in a 110 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Do not mix with

  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Emerald Catfish.
  • White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Emerald Catfish need different water temperatures.
  • Discus: Discus and Emerald Catfish need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Emerald Catfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Emerald Catfish.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Emerald Catfish.
  • Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Emerald Catfish.
  • Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Emerald Catfish.

Questions

What size tank does a Emerald Catfish need?

At least 55 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 3.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Emerald Catfish like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Emerald Catfish should I keep together?

Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Emerald Catfish eat?

Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms. Feed once a day: one or two sinking pellets or wafers per fish, eaten within a few minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.