All FishesCALLICHTHYIDAECorydoradinaeScleromystax  |  | 

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Scientific NameScleromystax barbatus    (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Common NamesBearded Cory
Banded Corydoras, Bearded Catfish, Bearded Corydoras, Checkerboard Cory, Filigree Cory, Skægget Pansermalle (Denmark)
Type LocalityFazenda da Japuhyba near Angra dos Reis, 22°59'S, 44°17'W, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Synonym(s)Callichthys barbatus, Corydoras barbatus, Corydoras eigenmanni
Pronunciationss KLER oh muss tax
EtymologyScleromystax: From the Greek sclero meaning hard and the Latin mystax meaning moustache. Named after the genus Callichthys, which refers to the armour plates (Callum = hard skin; ichthys = fish) found in all members of this family.
Hop to next section Species Information
Size98mm or 3.9" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
DistributionSouth America
La Plata, Paraná, Upper Paraná, Grande (Paraná), Verde (Paraná), Capivari (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Rio de Janeiro State Rivers, Guapi (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Rio de Janeiro State Rivers, Inbomirim (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category
Least Concern
, a distribution map is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2018.
pH5.5 - 7.0
Temperature16.0-25.5°C or 60.8-77.9°F (Show species within this range)
Other ParametersThe water chemistry isn't too critical for this species except if you intend to attempt breeding them (see below). Despite coming from a tropical zone, this species has a more involved relationship with temperature than one might expect given its origin. Temperature is important in at least how it affects dissolved oxygen levels. This fish will tolerate low temperatures at least for a few months (55°F/13°C) and should not be kept above 77°F/25°C in either well stocked or poorly oxygenated tanks. Ideally, keep the fish in the 68 - 76°F/20-24°C, a range that within which the species will breed.
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FeedingWill readily accepted all prepared foods that reach the bottom of the aquarium such as tablets, granules and larger flakes. Live (or frozen) foods such as bloodworm, white worm, grindal worm (Enchytraeus), Daphnia and Tubifex are readily accepted and good for conditioning groups of fishes for spawning. User data.
FurnitureIdeally substrate should be sand, but rounded gravel is an imperfect alternative. Avoid keeping over rough edged (chipped) gravel, this will increase this risk of damage the fishes barbels when it tries to dig. Substrate should be bordered with driftwood and aquatic plants leaving an open area for them to search for food and swim. The shade provided by overhanging rock work, arching bogwood, tall or floating plants are all that is required to settle these fishes.
CompatibilityA peaceful, shoaling, community fish.
Breeding ReportsThere is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
ReferenceVoyage autour du monde, pp 234.
Registered KeepersThere are 2 registered keepers, view all "my fish" data.
WishlistsLove this species? Click the heart to add it to your wish list.
There is no wish to keep this species.
SpottersSpotted this species somewhere? Click the binoculars!
There are 9 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Look up PlanetCatfish.comLook up S. barbatus on PlanetCatfish.com
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Look up on Encyclopedia of LifeLook up S. barbatus on Encyclopedia of Life
Look up on Global Biodiversity Information FacilityLook up S. barbatus on Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Scleromystax barbatus QR codeLFS label creator
ARN ref:1.1.312.26
Last UpdateFri Nov 04, 2022 10:03 am (Species record created: Thu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am)