We aquarists more frequently make that mistake with the eel like Caecilians. I think some shops assume that those escape artists are fish too. "If it lives in water ..."

"Sucking catfish" in Australia! Ah well, in the U.S. we call another catfish a bala shark and cyrinids (relatives of the carps and minnows and "Chinese" algae eaters) red tailed sharks!

Your Brochis will likely be one of three kinds of Brochus and like their close relatives the Corydorus, they enjoy the company of others of their same species. Speaking of names games, sometimes they are even called the giant Cory or the giant green Cory.

I would prefer the "Mother Of All Corydorys." ;)

Your shop was being moderate in suggestioning a pair of them. More and more I'm hearing from people, who enjoy schooling fish, that six of a Cory or tetra species is a good start. (Ca-ching!)

You know, I'm quite sure (but a lurker might not), that bottom feeding catfish don't eat fish droppings. While they will usually leave free swimming fry alone, fish eggs and maybe even fry with a large yoke sack, are relished. It is our responsibility to make sure they are provided for.

When I moonlit at a pet shop in a previous life, a guy came up to me and asked for a couple of "Chinese algae eaters" I asked him why he needed them.

He replied that he wanted them to remove a little algae on the sides of his tank.

I responded. "No, you don't need them."

"NO?"

The problems associated with that fish were explained.

"Well, what should I do about the algae?"

It was suggested that he pull the shade behind the tank in the morning and go to his local grocery store to buy one of those soapless pot scrubbers. (The same ones which can be unraveled to make low light plant substitute fry shelters.)