Formerly classified as Brochis splendens, the Emerald Green Cory is significantly larger, taller, and chunkier than typical Corydoras. Known for their striking metallic emerald green and blue sheen, they are highly social, peaceful bottom-dwellers. They must be kept in groups and require a soft sand substrate to protect their delicate sensory barbels from erosion.
Emerald Green Cory At a Glance
Emerald Green Cory Tank Requirements
Will Emerald Green Cory fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Emerald Green Cory needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Emerald Green Cory against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Emerald Green Cory Water Parameters
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Emerald Green Cory Temperament & Compatibility
Emerald Green Cory Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard Emerald Green Cory. Must be kept in a shoal of at least 6 (preferably more) to feel secure and display natural, active foraging behaviors along the bottom.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Brochis
Emerald Green Cory Care Guide Summary
The Emerald Green Cory, scientifically known as Corydoras splendens, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a depressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Emerald Green Cory requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–8 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Emerald Green Cory is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Emerald Green Cory is typically available in one standard form.
Emerald Green Cory Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Emerald Green Cory, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
Emerald Green Cory Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Emerald Green Cory is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Emerald Green Cory Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Emerald Green Cory.
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
Show 14 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Green Cory
How big does Emerald Green Cory get?
Emerald Green Cory (Corydoras splendens) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Emerald Green Cory need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm are recommended for Emerald Green Cory. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Emerald Green Cory need?
Emerald Green Cory thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6 and 8, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Emerald Green Cory peaceful or aggressive?
Emerald Green Cory is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Emerald Green Cory should be kept together?
Emerald Green Cory is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Emerald Green Cory have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Emerald Green Cory benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Emerald Green Cory
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Emerald Green Cory based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesExquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
Ideal Tank MatesEastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Ideal Tank MatesDelicate Blue-Eye
Pseudomugil tenellus
Ideal Tank MatesCrimsonspotted Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia duboulayi
Ideal Tank MatesCorona Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia corona
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Emerald Green Cory
These plants pair well with Emerald Green Cory based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Emerald Green Cory
Dainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
A true dwarf Corydoras species, the Dainty Cory (Corydoras habrosus) is a highly active, peaceful bottom dweller. Unlike the Pygmy Cory (C. pygmaeus) which frequently swims in the mid-water column, the Habrosus stays true to typical Corydoras behavior by constantly sifting the substrate. They must be kept on fine sand to protect their delicate barbels and require a school of at least 6 to feel secure.
Black Corydoras
Corydoras schultzei
The Black Cory is a striking, deeply melanistic morph of Corydoras schultzei (often confused with C. aeneus). These peaceful, armored bottom-dwellers are highly social and must be kept in large groups to thrive. A soft sand substrate is absolutely critical to prevent damage to their sensitive foraging barbels.
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Corydoras loxozonus
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish native to the Rio Meta basin in Colombia. Known for the distinctive diagonal black stripe across its back and a mask over its eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft, sandy substrate is strictly required to prevent damage to their delicate barbels as they sift for food.
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish known for its armor-like scales (scutes) and active bottom-feeding behavior. They are essential clean-up crew members but require a dedicated sinking diet (not just leftovers). Sand substrate is strictly required to prevent erosion and infection of their sensitive barbels. They are 'gut breathers' and will occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air.
Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.
Agassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling armored catfish native to the Amazon River basin. They are easily identified by their silvery body with dark spots and a distinct black mask over their eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft sand substrate is absolutely essential to protect their delicate sensory barbels as they forage.