Banded Corydoras

Scleromystax barbatus, known for many years as Corydoras barbatus, is a large, long-bodied species that reaches 8–10 cm. It carries a mosaic pattern of irregular dark blotches on a pale beige–gold background. Mature males develop fine bristle-like spines (odontodes) on their cheeks; this is where the name "bearded" comes from, and males are usually more colorful. Because it comes from coastal streams in Brazil's Atlantic forests, it likes distinctly cooler water than tropical corydoras; temperatures constantly above 25°C do not suit it.

• At least 100 liters for a group of 6–8; a base length of around 100 cm.
• Fine, rounded sand substrate; a large open area for sifting.
• 18–24°C; soft to moderately hard, very well-oxygenated water with gentle flow.
• A 25–30% water change every week; it is sensitive to nitrate buildup.

Sinking tablets and granules, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and tubifex. Since it is a large species, adjust the amount of food to the size of the group; it cannot live on leftovers alone.

A peaceful, social bottom dweller; it sifts the bottom in a group. It does not harm fish, but its temperature needs do not match those of tropical species that want warm water.

Good companions: peaceful species that like cool water: zebra danios, White Cloud Mountain minnows, peppered and panda corydoras, cool-water barbs.

Avoid: species that need warm water (discus, rams), cichlids that claim the bottom, large predatory fish.