C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish – Corydoras Pantanalensis

The C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish (Corydoras pantanalensis) is one of the larger and more impressive Cory-type catfish available to freshwater aquarists. Its deeper body, substantial adult size, tall dorsal fin, and changing adult coloration give it a noticeably more powerful appearance than many smaller Cory species.

Also known as the Pantanal Cory, C005 Cory, or Pantanalensis Cory, this peaceful armored catfish originates from the Pantanal region of Bolivia and Brazil, one of the world's largest seasonal tropical wetlands.

Juveniles can appear relatively understated, with a pale silver-tan or grayish body and subtle darker markings. As the fish mature—especially adult males entering breeding condition—the coloration can become far more dramatic, developing an intricate dark reticulated pattern with beautiful metallic green, bronze, or gold reflections.

Taxonomy note: This species was formally described in 2001 as Corydoras pantanalensis and is still widely sold under that name. Following the major 2024 revision of Corydoradinae, the species was transferred to the resurrected genus Brochis. Its currently accepted scientific combination is Brochis pantanalensis.

C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish Care Information

What Does a C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish Look Like?

The Pantanal Cory has a robust, deep-bodied profile with a broad head and well-developed dorsal fin. Compared with many smaller Cory species, adult C005 have a noticeably heavier and more substantial appearance.

Juveniles and non-breeding adults can display a relatively subtle silver-tan, gray, olive, bronze, or greenish body color with darker markings developing across the armored body plates.

As the fish mature, the pattern can become significantly more complex. Adult males in breeding condition are particularly impressive and may develop a dense dark reticulated or net-like pattern across the head and body.

Metallic green, olive, bronze, or golden iridescence can appear between the darker markings, creating a dramatic appearance under aquarium lighting.

Why Does the Pantanal Cory Change Color as It Matures?

One of the most fascinating features of Corydoras pantanalensis is the change in pattern and coloration that can occur with maturity.

Juvenile fish are often comparatively plain. As adult males enter reproductive condition, their body pattern can become darker and more strongly reticulated, producing a striking network of contrasting markings.

This mature breeding coloration is one reason adult Pantanal Corys can look dramatically different from younger fish sold in aquarium stores.

Is the C005 Pantanal Cory a Large Cory?

Yes. The Pantanal Cory is considerably larger and more robust than many commonly sold Cory species.

Mature males can reach approximately 3 inches, while adult females may approach 3.25 inches and develop a much fuller body.

Its deeper body and larger adult size are important when planning an aquarium. Although juvenile C005 may look small, a mature group requires significantly more floor space than dwarf Corys or smaller species such as Panda Corys.

Why Is Corydoras Pantanalensis Now a Brochis?

Corydoras pantanalensis was originally described within the large genus Corydoras.

Modern genetic and morphological research showed that the old Corydoras grouping contained several distinct evolutionary lineages. In the 2024 revision of Corydoradinae, Pantanal Cory was transferred to the resurrected genus Brochis.

The accepted scientific name is therefore Brochis pantanalensis, although Corydoras pantanalensis remains extremely important in the aquarium trade and for online search recognition.

What Does C005 Mean?

The C005 designation, also written C5, was assigned to this fish in the aquarium hobby before it received its formal scientific description.

C-numbers were created to help aquarists identify distinct Cory-type catfish entering the hobby when their scientific identity had not yet been formally resolved.

In 2001, C005 was formally described as Corydoras pantanalensis. The C005 designation is still commonly used by Cory enthusiasts, breeders, and specialty fish retailers today.

C005 Pantanal Cory Behavior & Group Size

Pantanal Corys are peaceful, social bottom-dwelling fish and should not be kept alone.

We recommend maintaining at least 6 C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish together. A proper group allows the fish to display their natural social behavior and generally helps them become more confident and active.

Because this species grows larger than many common Corys, groups should be given generous horizontal swimming and foraging space.

Like other Cory-type catfish, Pantanal Corys may occasionally make a rapid trip to the surface to gulp atmospheric air before returning to the bottom. Occasional surface visits are normal Cory behavior.

Ideal Aquarium Setup for C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish

Because of its larger adult size, a 30-gallon or larger freshwater aquarium is recommended for a proper group of Pantanal Corys.

A tank with a footprint around 36 × 15 inches or larger provides useful bottom space for six adult fish. Larger groups benefit from even more floor area.

A fine sand substrate is ideal. Smooth rounded fine gravel may also be used if maintained carefully, but sharp or abrasive substrate should be avoided.

Cory-type catfish search through the substrate with sensitive barbels, so clean substrate is especially important.

Live plants, driftwood, smooth rocks, shaded sections, and open sand areas can create an attractive environment while still leaving plenty of room for natural group foraging.

Natural Habitat of the Pantanal Cory

Brochis pantanalensis originates from the Pantanal region of South America, including the Cussis and Las Petas river drainages of Bolivia, with records also extending into Brazil.

The Pantanal is an enormous seasonal wetland where water levels, temperature, chemistry, and available habitat can change dramatically throughout the year.

These seasonal conditions help explain why Pantanal Corys can be relatively adaptable when maintained in clean, stable aquarium water. However, adaptability should not be confused with tolerance of poor water quality.

C005 Pantanal Cory Water Parameters

C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish generally do well at temperatures around 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of approximately 6.0–7.2.

Soft to moderately hard water is suitable, but stability and cleanliness are more important than constantly adjusting the aquarium to reach a single exact number.

Keep Pantanal Corys in a fully cycled aquarium with effective biological filtration, good oxygenation, and regular water changes.

Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero, and sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry should be avoided.

What Do C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish Eat?

Pantanal Corys are omnivorous bottom foragers and should receive a varied, nutritious diet rather than depending on leftovers from other fish.

High-quality sinking pellets, tablets, or wafers can form the foundation of their aquarium diet. Supplement prepared foods with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as:

• Bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Tubifex
• Blackworms
• Other nutritious sinking foods

Mature Pantanal Corys are relatively large-bodied fish and should be fed enough food to maintain a full, healthy body condition.

C005 Pantanal Cory Tank Mates

The peaceful personality of the C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish makes it suitable for many freshwater community aquariums.

Potential tank mates may include peaceful tetras, rasboras, danios, larger peaceful characins, peaceful gouramis, compatible dwarf cichlids, other suitable Cory-type catfish, and other non-aggressive freshwater fish with overlapping temperature and water requirements.

Avoid large predatory fish, highly aggressive bottom dwellers, and excessively territorial species that may injure or intimidate the Cory group.

Male vs. Female C005 Pantanal Cory

Mature male and female Pantanal Corys become increasingly easy to distinguish as they reach adult size.

Adult females generally grow larger, reaching around 3.25 inches, and develop a broader, deeper body that is especially noticeable when viewed from above.

Adult males tend to remain somewhat smaller and slimmer. When males enter breeding condition, they can develop a spectacular dark reticulated pattern across the body that is much stronger than the coloration normally displayed by females or juveniles.

Why Choose C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish?

• Large and robust Cory-type catfish
• Dramatic reticulated adult male breeding coloration
• Metallic green, bronze, and gold iridescent tones
• Classic C005 collector identification
• Peaceful temperament for community aquariums
• Active bottom-dwelling and group-foraging behavior
• Distinctive deeper-bodied Brochis profile
• Excellent choice for larger planted freshwater aquariums
• Interesting species for Cory and Brochis enthusiasts

C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish FAQ

What is a C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish?

C005 Pantanal Cory is a large South American Cory-type catfish originally described as Corydoras pantanalensis. It is native to the Pantanal region and is known for its robust body, peaceful temperament, and dramatic reticulated coloration in mature males.

Is Corydoras pantanalensis now Brochis pantanalensis?

Yes. Corydoras pantanalensis is the original scientific combination and remains widely used in the aquarium hobby. Following the 2024 revision of Corydoradinae, the currently accepted scientific name is Brochis pantanalensis.

What does C005 mean?

C005, also written C5, was the aquarium-hobby identification number assigned to this fish before it was formally described. In 2001 the species received the scientific name Corydoras pantanalensis.

How big do C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish get?

Mature males can reach approximately 3 inches, while adult females may grow to around 3.25 inches. This makes Pantanal Cory one of the larger Cory-type catfish commonly maintained by hobbyists.

Why do adult male Pantanal Corys change color?

Mature males can develop a much darker and more intricate reticulated body pattern when they enter breeding condition. This transformation is a normal mature characteristic and is one of the most attractive features of the species.

How many Pantanal Corys should be kept together?

Keep C005 Pantanal Corys in a group of at least 6 fish. Because they are a relatively large Cory, make sure the aquarium provides enough bottom space for the entire adult group.

What size aquarium does a Pantanal Cory need?

A 30-gallon or larger aquarium is recommended for a proper adult group. A footprint around 36 × 15 inches or greater gives these larger Corys useful horizontal swimming and foraging space.

What temperature is best for C005 Pantanal Corys?

A practical aquarium temperature range is approximately 73–81°F (23–27°C), with a pH around 6.0–7.2.

Where do C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish come from?

Pantanal Corys originate from the Pantanal region of South America. The type locality is in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, within the Cussis and Las Petas river systems. The species is also recorded from Brazil.

Are C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish peaceful?

Yes. Despite their relatively large and robust body size, Pantanal Corys are peaceful social catfish and work well with non-aggressive freshwater species that share compatible water requirements.

What do C005 Pantanal Cory Catfish eat?

Pantanal Corys are omnivorous bottom foragers. Feed high-quality sinking pellets, tablets, or wafers along with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, Tubifex, and blackworms.

Do Pantanal Corys clean the aquarium?

Pantanal Corys naturally forage along the aquarium floor, but they should not be treated as aquarium maintenance animals. They require intentional feeding with nutritious sinking foods along with regular water changes and substrate cleaning.