Scleromystax barbatus

Common Names:

Banded Corydoras
Bearded Catfish

Synonyms:

Callichthys barbatus
Corydoras barbatus

Family:

Callichthyidae

Category:

Catfish_Bottom_Feeders

Distribution:

America - South; Brazil, South America.

Main Ecosystem:

Delta; Delta

Temperament:

Peaceful; Usually peaceful fish that should be kept in pairs. Males are often territorial, especially towards each other. They will often participate in battles, sometimes resulting in the death of the weaker fish.

Diet:

Ominvore; Ominvore

Care:

Scleromystax barbatus will feed from the waste food on the bottom on the tank, helping to combat tank pollution. Be careful though - make sure there is enough food on the gravel for the catfish. A mature tank is recommended as this species is e to new tank syndrome.

pH:

6.5 - 7.5

Temperature:

17°C - 21°C

63°F - 70°F

Hardness:

2 dH - 25 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 9.7cm (3.8")
Female: 9.7cm (3.8")

Water Region:

Bottom; Bottom

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Males can be distinguished by the bristles on their cheeks when mature. Fin spines are also usually longer in males.

Breeding:

Not difficult. One of the few Callicthyids that can be bred in an aquarium. Use a pH of 6.5 and temperature 26°C. Also try raising the temperature of the tank to 28°C for a few days and then lowering the temperature back to 26°C, changing 25% of the water. The eggs are usually deposited on the glass. Remove the parents after spawning.

Variants:

Comments:

Scleromystax barbatus is an excellent species for corydoras enthusiasts wanting more of a challenge. This profile made with contributions from Tim (seabat@albany.net).

Main Colours:

Brown, Black, White

Markings:

Mottled

Mouth:

Downturned

Tail:

Concave

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Image Credit:

Submitted By:

Adam

Contributors:

sirbooks

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