Hognosed brochis (Corydoras multiradiatus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Hognose brochis, Hog-nosed catfish, Long-finned brochis, Brochis multiradiatus, Chaenothorax multiradiatus
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
South America: tributaries of the north-western Amazon basin in Ecuador and Peru, especially the upper Río Napo system.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
20–26°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
Soft to medium, 2–12 dGH
Minimum tank
243 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

The hognosed brochis is a deep-bodied, metallic green armoured catfish with a long snout and a long dorsal fin of 17–18 rays (the "multiradiatus" in its name). It is now usually called Brochis multiradiatus: it was described as Chaenothorax multiradiatus, placed in Corydoras when Brochis was merged into it in 2003, and moved back to Brochis when the genus was revalidated in 2024. Still sold as Corydoras multiradiatus or simply as a brochis. It is uncommon in the trade and is often confused with the emerald brochis, Brochis splendens, which has a shorter snout and 10–12 dorsal-fin rays; Brochis britskii normally has about 15 (Seriously Fish). Keep a group of six to eight or more. Seriously Fish suggests a tank of at least 120 × 45 × 45 cm (about 243 litres). Use fine sand with driftwood and plants for cover. In the wild it lives in small tributaries, backwaters and oxbow lakes. Seriously Fish gives 20–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and hardness 2–12 dGH; Wikipedia gives a narrower 21–24 °C and pH 6.0–7.2. Corys have no scales, only bony plates, and are sensitive to salt and to many medications (especially copper-based treatments), so use half doses or leave them out when treating a tank. Keep nitrate low with regular partial water changes and lightly siphon the sand so uneaten food does not rot. They gulp air at the surface now and then, which is normal. Take care when netting them: the fin spines are sharp and catch in nets. Seriously Fish notes the pectoral spines may be venomous. Seriously Fish gives up to 10 cm standard length; Wikipedia gives 6.7 cm. We could not check the PlanetCatfish or FishBase pages for this species, so this page is based on Seriously Fish and Wikipedia. Sources: Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/brochis-multiradiatus/); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brochismultiradiatus). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A bottom-foraging omnivore. Feed good-quality sinking pellets, tablets or granules, plus bloodworm and other small frozen or live foods. Give it a varied diet of its own rather than relying on leftovers from other fish.

Breeding

Not yet reported in aquarium literature (Seriously Fish). Females are rounder, deeper-bodied and grow slightly larger than males. Methods used for Brochis splendens (a group with more males, heavy conditioning and large cool water changes) are a reasonable starting point.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and gregarious, and suits a community of small to medium peaceful fish such as tetras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids and other corys. Avoid large or aggressive fish.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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