All fish / Callichthyidae

Bearded Corydoras

Scleromystax barbatus

Also known as bearded cory, banded corydoras, barbatus cory, corydoras barbatus, giant cory, bearded catfish, コリドラス・バルバートゥス, 须鼠鱼, 豹纹鼠

A large armoured catfish with a long snout and a dark body covered in pale gold to cream spots, with a yellowish band along the back. Mature males grow bristly 'whiskers' on the cheeks, which give the species its name. Keepers like it for its size, striking pattern and calm, sociable nature in cooler community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

18 to 24 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, wafers, bloodworm, brine shrimp and small live foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Coastal rivers of south-eastern Brazil (Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina)

Breeding

It spawns in the typical cory T-position, with the female placing sticky eggs on glass or plants, often after a cool water change. Spawning is achievable in captivity but less routine than for smaller Corydoras, and good conditioning with live food helps.

Good to know

This is a subtropical fish that suffers if kept long term at warm tropical temperatures, so avoid pairing it with species needing 26°C or more. Use soft sand to protect its barbels.