Product Details

Coast Cory – Scleromystax prionotos

The Coast Cory is an attractive Brazilian cory-type catfish with peaceful bottom-dwelling behaviour and a slightly more specialist care profile than many common farmed Corydoras. Correctly listed as Scleromystax prionotos, this species is best kept in a mature aquarium with soft sand, clean well-oxygenated water and a proper group. It is a peaceful community fish, but it is especially well suited to cooler tropical setups rather than very warm aquariums.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Coast Cory
Other Names: Prionotos Cory, Coastal Cory, Corydoras prionotos
Scientific Name: Scleromystax prionotos
Older / Trade Name: Corydoras prionotos
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish / Callichthyid Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Scleromystax prionotos is native to coastal river systems in south-eastern Brazil, from Espírito Santo to São Paulo. Specialist catfish references describe it from coastal lowland streams, including whitewater and clearwater habitats, where it may occur alongside similar-looking cory-type catfish.

In the aquarium, Coast Corys should be kept in a mature setup with soft sand or very smooth fine substrate, shaded resting areas, wood, plants and open feeding patches. Clean, oxygen-rich water is important, and they should not be kept over dirty compacted gravel.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Coast Corys have the armoured body shape typical of cory-type catfish, with a pale to greyish base colour and darker spotting or mottling across the head, body and fins. The pattern can vary between individuals, and mature fish may show stronger contrast when settled in a calm aquarium.

Adults usually reach around 5–6 cm, with females often fuller-bodied than males. Males are usually slimmer and may appear more streamlined, especially when viewed from above.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to mature peaceful community aquariums, cooler tropical displays and specialist cory-type setups. It does well with soft substrate, good oxygenation, regular water changes and calm tank mates that allow food to reach the bottom.

Coast Corys are not suitable for sharp gravel, aggressive cichlid tanks, predator aquariums, tiny nano tanks, immature aquariums or very warm discus-style setups. They should not be sold simply as scavengers and must receive proper sinking foods.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 75–90 litres for a small group, with a tank length of at least 60–75 cm recommended. Larger aquariums are preferred for bigger groups and mixed communities.

Keep in a group of at least 5–6, with larger groups preferred where space allows. Social keeping improves confidence, feeding response and natural bottom-foraging behaviour.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 20–25°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Although it can tolerate typical tropical conditions, this species is best treated as a cooler tropical cory-type catfish. Avoid prolonged high temperatures, high nitrate, dirty substrate and sudden water-chemistry changes. Soft sand is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and allow natural foraging.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Coast Corys are peaceful bottom-dwelling community fish. Suitable tank mates include White Cloud Mountain Minnows in suitable conditions, small danios, peaceful tetras, rasboras, small barbs, Otocinclus, peaceful plecs and other calm fish that enjoy clean, well-oxygenated water.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, rough bottom dwellers, severe fin-nippers and very boisterous feeders that prevent food from reaching the substrate. They should not be kept singly or in pairs, as this can make them shy and reduce natural behaviour.

Feeding:

Coast Corys are omnivorous bottom feeders and need a varied sinking diet. Offer quality sinking catfish pellets, soft granules, bottom-feeder tablets and small wafers as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, tubifex, grindal worm and finely chopped earthworm.

They will search the substrate for food, but they must not be expected to live on scraps. Make sure food reaches the bottom, especially when they are kept with fast midwater feeders.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends much of its time foraging over sand, resting under plants or wood, and moving through shaded areas. In a proper group, Coast Corys become more confident and are often visible during the day.

Like other callichthyid catfish, they may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour. Breeding may occur in well-conditioned groups, with eggs laid on plants, glass or décor. Adults do not provide parental care.

Care Notes:

Add Coast Corys only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Provide soft sand, clean water, shaded cover and a good-sized group. Maintain the substrate carefully so waste does not build up, but avoid harsh gravel or abrasive décor that can damage the barbels.

Because Scleromystax species are less commonly available than many standard Corydoras, this fish is best presented as a specialist cory-type catfish for aquarists who can provide cooler, clean and well-maintained conditions.

Recommended For:

Intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Specialist import or tank-raised when available

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, spotting, body tone, fin markings, sex and pattern can occur between individual fish.