SCOTCAT.COM  

Allan James (3) Ian Fuller (1) Danny Blundell (1) Ian M. Clift (2) Hans-Georg Evers (2)

S. kronei is similar, especially the females. The males of S. barbatus and S. kronei have different body patterns with the middle band in S. kronei being solid wheras in S. barbatus it is broken up somewhat. Lineage: All Scleromystax species belong to Lineage 3 and would remain as Scleromystax (Günther, 1864) with the designated type species of Scleromystax barbatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824). As of the latest update (Dias et al 2024), Scleromystax barbatus has been placed in Lineage 3 and has retained the genus name of Scleromystax. Aquarium Care: Sometimes the males of Scleromystax species can get aggressive to other males so maybe one male to a group may be the best way to go if there are conflicts in the aquarium. As with most members of the Callichthyidae they are peaceful. The Scleromystax genera are good additions to "cool water" aquarium set ups with maybe other cool water fish such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows and other fish that are comfortable with a temperature around the 70°f (21.5°c) mark. Diet: As with other members of the Corydoradinae they relish tablet and good quality flake food with frozen bloodworm a firm favourite. They are also keen on chopped earthworms and other worm foods such as white worm used sparingly, and grindal worm. Etymology: The specific name barbatus: Latin for bearded, referring to the beard-like odontodes on cheeks of sexually active males.

Bearded Cory

Callichthys barbatus, Corydoras kronei, Corydoras eigenmanni. Corydoras barbatus.

Callichthyidae

South America: Brazil; Coastal drainages from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina.

Male: 10.0cm (4ins) Female: 9.5cm (3¾ins)

19-24°C (65-75°F)

6.5-7.2.