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Brochis amandajanea – A Comprehensive Guide (Amanda Jane Cory)

The Amanda Jane Cory, Brochis amandajanea (formerly Corydoras amandajanea), is one of the newer and lesser-known cory-type species starting to show up in the hobby.

At first glance, it has that familiar cory look—but with a slightly heavier, more robust build that leans toward the Brochis-type body style.

Visually, you’ll notice:

  • Subtle patterning rather than bold markings
  • A slightly thicker, deeper body
  • A more “solid” presence compared to smaller Corydoras

This isn’t a flashy, high-contrast species. It’s more of a clean, natural-looking fish that fits perfectly into planted or biotope-style setups.


Origin & Habitat

This species comes from South America, likely within Amazonian drainages.

In the wild, they’re associated with:

  • Slow-moving waters
  • Sandy or silty substrates
  • Leaf litter and submerged wood

Typical conditions include:

  • Warm water
  • Soft to moderately soft parameters
  • Low to moderate light

Very typical bottom-dwelling habitat for cory-type fish.


Size

  • Adult Size: ~2.5 to 3 inches
  • Body Type: Deeper-bodied, Brochis-like

They’re a bit more substantial than many standard Corydoras, giving them more presence in the tank.


Tank Size

  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
  • Recommended: 29+ gallons

Because of their size and build:

  • They benefit from more floor space
  • Larger groups look much better visually

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 74–80°F
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately soft

They do best in:

  • Clean, stable water
  • Slightly softer conditions

They’re not overly sensitive, but like most cory-type fish, consistency is key.


Temperament

  • Peaceful
  • Social
  • Non-aggressive

They should always be kept in groups.

Group size

  • Minimum: 6
  • Ideal: 8–12

Like all corys:

  • More fish = better behavior
  • Better activity and visibility

Tank Setup

Keep it natural and functional.

Ideal setup

  • Fine sand substrate
  • Driftwood
  • Plants or botanicals
  • Moderate lighting

Why sand matters

They constantly sift through substrate, so:

  • Sand allows natural behavior
  • Rough gravel can damage barbels

Diet

Very easy to feed.

Staple foods

  • Sinking pellets
  • Bottom feeder wafers

For best condition

  • Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
  • Live foods when possible

They’re not picky, but a varied diet helps with:

  • Growth
  • Overall health


Tank Mates

Great for peaceful community tanks.

Good tank mates

  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Pencilfish
  • Dwarf cichlids
  • Other peaceful species

Avoid

  • Aggressive fish
  • Large predators
  • Highly competitive bottom feeders

Behavior

  • Bottom-dwelling
  • Constant foraging
  • Social interaction within the group

They’ll:

  • Move together
  • Sift the substrate
  • Rest in groups

Very classic cory-type behavior.


Breeding

Not widely documented yet, but expected to follow typical cory-type patterns.

Spawning basics

  • Egg layers
  • No parental care
  • Eggs placed on surfaces

To trigger spawning:

  • Clean water
  • Heavy feeding
  • Slight environmental changes

Why They’re Rare

This one comes down to availability and recognition.

1. Newer to the hobby

Still not widely distributed.

2. Not heavily marketed

Doesn’t have the name recognition of popular species.

3. Subtle appearance

Doesn’t jump out in store tanks.


Final Thoughts

If you want:

  • A slightly larger, more robust cory-type fish
  • Something less common
  • A species that fits perfectly in natural-style setups

Brochis amandajanea is a really solid choice.

It’s not flashy—but it’s a great example of a clean, well-balanced fish that works in almost any peaceful setup.


Looking to Add Fish to Your Aquarium?

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