{"product_id":"barbatus-cory-scleromystax-barbatus","title":"Barbatus Cory - Scleromystax barbatus","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"nvfcos\" data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"450\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eBarbatus Cory – \u003cem data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"450\"\u003eScleromystax barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"464\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"970\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"469\" data-end=\"486\"\u003eBarbatus Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e is a distinctive, larger-growing Cory-type catfish with an attractive banded pattern, active nature and impressive adult male appearance. Unlike many small tropical Corydoras, \u003cstrong data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"688\"\u003eScleromystax barbatus\u003c\/strong\u003e is a cooler-water species from coastal Brazil and is best kept in a mature aquarium with soft sand, clean water and excellent oxygenation. Small specimens may look delicate, but adults are robust, social bottom-dwellers that need a proper group and a cooler, well-maintained setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"972\" data-end=\"994\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1260\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1011\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Barbatus Cory\u003cbr data-start=\"1025\" data-end=\"1028\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1028\" data-end=\"1044\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bearded Cory, Banded Cory, Banded Corydoras, Barbatus Catfish, \u003cem data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1128\"\u003eCorydoras barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1131\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1151\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1152\" data-end=\"1175\"\u003eScleromystax barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1178\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1192\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cory-type Catfish \/ Armoured Catfish\u003cbr data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1232\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1247\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1289\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1290\" data-end=\"1600\"\u003eThe Barbatus Cory is native to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1321\" data-end=\"1345\"\u003esouth-eastern Brazil\u003c\/strong\u003e, where FishBase records it from coastal drainages between \u003cstrong data-start=\"1404\" data-end=\"1441\"\u003eRio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is a freshwater, bottom-living species associated with subtropical conditions rather than warm Amazonian habitats. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1602\" data-end=\"1921\"\u003eIn nature, \u003cem data-start=\"1613\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003eScleromystax\u003c\/em\u003e species inhabit small flowing tributary streams, often with clear, oxygen-rich water, leaf litter, sand, fine gravel, stones, roots and shaded margins. This makes them better suited to a cool tropical or temperate-style aquarium than a hot community tank. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1950\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1951\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003eSmall Barbatus Corys have a mottled grey, brown and cream pattern that helps them blend into natural substrates. As they mature, the body becomes longer and more powerful than a typical small Corydoras, and adult males can develop a more elongated profile with bristle-like growth around the cheeks and snout, giving rise to the name \u003cstrong data-start=\"2285\" data-end=\"2301\"\u003eBearded Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e. Females are usually fuller-bodied and more rounded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2620\"\u003eAdults can reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2380\" data-end=\"2391\"\u003e9–10 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, so they should be planned for as a medium-sized Cory-type catfish rather than a dwarf bottom-dweller. FishBase lists \u003cem data-start=\"2510\" data-end=\"2533\"\u003eScleromystax barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e as reaching close to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2555\" data-end=\"2581\"\u003e9.8 cm standard length\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2622\" data-end=\"2646\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2647\" data-end=\"3060\"\u003eThis species is best for a mature, cooler freshwater aquarium with a good footprint and strong water quality. It suits planted temperate-style setups, subtropical community tanks and stream-inspired aquariums with open sandy areas for foraging. It is not suitable for very warm tropical tanks, sharp gravel, aggressive communities or small aquariums where its adult size and activity level cannot be accommodated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3062\" data-end=\"3091\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3092\" data-end=\"3334\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3115\" data-end=\"3141\"\u003e120 litres for a group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"3174\" data-end=\"3183\"\u003e90 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums are preferred for adult groups, as Barbatus Corys are active, sizeable and more confident when kept with their own kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3336\" data-end=\"3356\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3357\" data-end=\"3871\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3357\" data-end=\"3373\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16–24°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3384\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3384\" data-end=\"3391\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"3399\" data-end=\"3402\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3402\" data-end=\"3415\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable\u003cbr data-start=\"3460\" data-end=\"3463\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3463\" data-end=\"3484\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species should not be kept long-term in hot tropical aquariums. Fishkeeper notes that Bearded Corys prefer cooler temperatures around \u003cstrong data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3635\"\u003e18–20°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, while FishBase gives a broad subtropical profile with pH \u003cstrong data-start=\"3694\" data-end=\"3705\"\u003e6.0–8.0\u003c\/strong\u003e and hardness \u003cstrong data-start=\"3719\" data-end=\"3730\"\u003e2–25 dH\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Provide good oxygenation, gentle to moderate flow, regular water changes and a clean sandy substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"3873\" data-end=\"3901\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3902\" data-end=\"3941\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3902\" data-end=\"3924\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3943\" data-end=\"4339\"\u003eBarbatus Corys are peaceful, social catfish, but they are larger and more energetic than many small Cory-type species. Suitable tank mates include peaceful temperate or cooler-water fish such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Zebra Danios, Rosy Barbs, some temperate livebearers, hillstream loaches, weather loaches in larger aquariums and other calm fish that enjoy cooler, well-oxygenated water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4341\" data-end=\"4727\"\u003eAvoid aggressive cichlids, large predators, fin-nippers, very boisterous bottom feeders and warm-water species that require consistently high temperatures. They should be kept in a group of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4531\" data-end=\"4547\"\u003eat least 5–6\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a larger group preferred where space allows. Fishkeeper also recommends keeping them in groups in a well-maintained aquarium with sand. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4729\" data-end=\"4740\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4741\" data-end=\"5155\"\u003eBarbatus Corys are omnivorous foragers and should be fed directly. Offer quality sinking catfish pellets, bottom-feeder tablets, small granules and sinking wafers as the staple. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, tubifex and finely chopped earthworm. They will search for leftovers, but they should never be expected to survive only on food missed by other fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5157\" data-end=\"5186\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5187\" data-end=\"5605\"\u003eThis is an active lower-level species that spends much of its time exploring the substrate, resting under cover and moving in loose groups. Mature males can be especially interesting, displaying more character and stronger facial features than typical Cory-type catfish. Like other callichthyid catfish, they may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour as long as water quality is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5607\" data-end=\"5621\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5622\" data-end=\"6104\"\u003eUse soft sand or very smooth fine gravel to protect the barbels. Keep the substrate clean and avoid trapped waste, as poor bottom hygiene can lead to barbel erosion or infection. Do not keep in overheated aquariums; temperatures above the mid-20s °C are not ideal long term. Provide a mature filter, good oxygenation and regular cool-water changes. Small specimens should be grown on with their adult size in mind, as this is one of the larger and more specialist Cory-type catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6106\" data-end=\"6125\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6126\" data-end=\"6138\"\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6140\" data-end=\"6156\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6157\" data-end=\"6218\"\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist import or captive-bred when available\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6220\" data-end=\"6240\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6241\" data-end=\"6436\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43667322798154,"sku":"AG-102634","price":14.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43667322830922,"sku":"AG-102635","price":19.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43667322863690,"sku":"AG-102636","price":24.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43667322896458,"sku":"AG-102637","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/BarbatusCory-Scleromystaxbarbatus.jpg?v=1780577511","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/barbatus-cory-scleromystax-barbatus","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}