All fish / Callichthyidae

Bearded Corydoras

Scleromystax macropterus

Also known as bearded catfish, bearded cory, corydoras macropterus, sailfin corydoras, big-fin corydoras, c macropterus, scleromystax macropterus, コリドラス・マクロプテルス, 长须鼠鱼, 大鳍鼠鱼

No free-to-use photo of this fish yet. Took one yourself? Send it to us and we will credit you.

A large, sturdy cory with a pale tan body covered in dark brown spots, a tall sail-like dorsal fin and, in mature males, bristly cheek 'whiskers'. Keepers value it as an unusual, active bottom dweller for cooler, well-oxygenated tanks with soft sand.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

18 to 24 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small worms

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil (Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo)

Breeding

It lays adhesive eggs on glass or plants after a T-position courtship, often prompted by cool water changes. Spawning in captivity has been achieved but is less routine than with common Corydoras.

Good to know

It needs cooler, oxygen-rich water than most tropical tank fish and does poorly when kept warm for long periods. Males' odontodes can make them look aggressive, though they are peaceful.