Banded corydoras (Scleromystax barbatus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Bearded cory, Bearded corydoras, Bearded catfish, Checkerboard cory, Filigree cory, Corydoras barbatus
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
Coastal drainages of south-east Brazil, from Rio de Janeiro state to Santa Catarina.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
9.8 cm
Temperature
16–25.5°C
pH
5.5–7
Hardness
Soft, about 1–3 dGH for breeding
Minimum tank
54 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

One of the largest cory-type catfishes, reaching nearly 10 cm standard length. It comes from cool coastal streams in south-east Brazil, so it does not want a hot tropical tank: about 16–25 °C suits it, with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5–7.0). PlanetCatfish suggests a tank of 60 × 30 cm for one pair and at least 90 × 38 cm for two pairs, as males are territorial. Use very fine, smooth gravel or smooth sand, with rocks and Java fern for cover. Males are slimmer and very striking, with a gold stripe along the nose set against velvet black and bristles on the cheeks; females stay a peppered grey and are slightly larger. Young fish look like Scleromystax kronei. It was formerly known as Corydoras barbatus and is sometimes still sold under that name. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=26). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Feed sinking tablets and granules, with occasional pre-soaked flake. Live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, tubifex and chopped earthworm bring it into breeding condition.

Breeding

Has been bred in aquariums. Use soft, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5, 1–3 dGH) at about 20–24 °C, and condition the pair on live foods. The fry are free-swimming two to three days after hatching and take newly hatched brine shrimp. They mature at about a year old.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful towards other fish, but males are territorial with each other, so keep pairs rather than large groups of males. Suits small to medium cichlids, larger tetras and fast-feeding barbs that tolerate cooler water.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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