Scleromystax barbatus

79°F

Explanation of the symbols

72°F

Family : Callichthyidae Origin : Brazil Length : 12 cm - 5" Min. length aquarium : 100 cm - 40" English names : Giant Cory, Barbatus Catfish, Bearded Catfish, Banded Catfish, Filigree Cory

This rather large Corydoras should be kept in a school.  The aquarium should be large enough and planted very well.  A part of the bottom of the aquarium should be free and should be sandy because they like to search after food in it and their tender barbels are easily damaged.  They are omnivorous and they eat from the bottom.  You should give them a great variety of food.  Leftovers from other fish are eaten as well. Breeding is not difficult.  When the animals are well fed they spawn spontaneous after a large changing of the water and a lower temperature.  After spawning the parents should be removed.  After 5 days the eggs hatch.  The young can be raised with baby brine shrimp.  PS some C barbatus come from a "cooler" area in the neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro.  This species should be kept at a temperature of 18-22°C (64-72°F)

Photo Credit

Jan Bukkems

Copyright ©AV AquaVISie. All rights reserved.