The Brazilian ichthyologist, Dr. Britski, found a new species of catfish in the Amazon in 1962. He named it Brochis britskii and published about it in the prestigious journal Copeia. He had been studying Central American lakes for years and knew that he was on the brink of a discovery. He prepared for weeks for his expedition and then embarked on it when he became convinced that there were no more new species to be found in Central American lakes.
He set out past the first two rivers, bringing with him all the equipment needed to take specimens, including a jet boat. As he traveled down river, one of his four men spotted what appeared to be something unusual just below some large rocks in the water. Britski grabbed his binoculars and upon further examination saw that it was indeed an entirely new species of catfish. The specimen yielded enough data for Dr. Britski to draw a detailed sketch of the new species and he was so elated that he had to be held back from jumping into the water to examine it further.
He recorded the fish in great detail, taking measurements and writing notes about its coloration and features. He knew this specimen would be the most important in his collection; it would allow him to write a book about Central American lakes that would bring him fame and fortune (in his words). He estimated that he had enough specimen to keep him busy for three years of study but before going any further made sure he had notified other scientists which could help him identify any other species in this class.
Britski’s catfish (Corydoras britskii) is a tropical freshwater fish endemic to South America that belongs to the subfamily Corydoradinae of the family Callichthyidae. It is found in the upper Paraguay River basin in Brazil. Brochis britskii was the previous name for this species.
Britski’s Catfish Facts
Most fish can be raised along with it. Corydoras are more suited for keeping alongside loaches than Corydoras since their bigger size allows them to compete for food. Boisterous enough to be maintained in aquaria with more energetic inhabitants.
This catfish, often known by the now-synonymous name Brochis, may be recognized from other corydoradine species by having more than ten rays in the dorsal fin, while all other members of the Corydoradinae have seven rays.
Corydoras britskii is venomous, it is hypothesized that axillary glands with slightly poisonous secretions exist lower portion of each spine.
Britski’s Catfish Diet
A fish that digs for food but will consume any prepared items that make their way to the substrate. Live bloodworms or tubifex are very appealing to Brochis britskii.
Britski’s Catfish Breeding
It lays its eggs among thick foliage, and the adults do not protect the eggs. When bearing eggs, mature females are said to be bigger and fuller.
Britski’s Catfish Upkeeping
It dwells in water with a temperature range of 20–24 °C (68–75 °F) in a tropical environment.
Should be kept around pH 6.0 – 7.0
Open expanses of substrate and slightly raised rock or wood refuges give the shade these fish like in their rare times of stillness.
It will grow in length up to 3.6 inches (9 centimetres).
Corydoras britskii are facultative air breathers; they have a highly vascularized gut that aids in the absorption of atmospheric oxygen, therefore they often come to the surface for a breath of air. Because of the ability to breathe atmospheric air, the aquarium should have a cover and should not be filled to the brim.