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: |
|
| Temperature: |
|
| Hardness: |
|
| 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 |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| Contributors: | sirbooks |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
| Edit Profile: |