{"product_id":"banded-corydoras-scleromystax-barbatus","title":"Banded Corydoras | Scleromystax barbatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Banded Cory is a larger, cooler-water corydoras in which bristly-cheeked males show off bold dark stripes and a handsome golden sheen. Hardy and full of character, it prefers things a touch cooler than most corys and grows to around 10 cm, making it a striking bottom-dweller for a temperate community. Always keep it in a group of six or more.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eScleromystax barbatus comes from the cool coastal streams and rivers of south-eastern Brazil, around Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where it forages over sand and leaf litter in clear, well-oxygenated, often cooler water. Soft sand, driftwood, some shade and gentle flow recreate its home and encourage natural foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the largest and most distinctive corys, with a longer body than most. Males develop bristles on the cheeks and bold black-and-cream markings with a golden-green sheen; females are plainer and rounder. The armoured flanks catch the light attractively, and males colour up strongly in a settled, cooler tank.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeaceful and social, though mature males can spar during the breeding season, so a group with several females spreads any friction. It does best in a shoal of its own kind and mixes well with other cool or temperate community fish such as white cloud minnows and smaller rainbowfish. A proper group is essential for confident behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn omnivorous bottom feeder that welcomes sinking pellets and wafers, frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia and blackworm, and quality flake that reaches the substrate. Feed a varied diet, ideally in the evening, and ensure enough sinks past faster mid-water fish so the corys get their share.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 75 L, with 100 L or larger better for a good group. Importantly, keep it cool: temperature 18–24 °C, ideally not above about 25 °C, with pH 6.0–7.5 and soft to moderately soft water, around GH 2–15. Use soft sand to protect the barbels, gentle filtration with good oxygenation, and keep water clean. Completely plant safe.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAchievable for the dedicated keeper and often triggered by a cool, soft-water change. Eggs are laid on plants and glass in the classic Corydoras style, with males competing to fertilise them. Eggs and fry are vulnerable, so a separate rearing tank and clean, cool water give the best results. Males' breeding bristles are a sign of good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScleromystax barbatus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBanded (Bearded) Corydoras\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoastal south-eastern Brazil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 10 cm (males larger)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–8 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (schooling)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore (bottom): sinking pellets, wafers, frozen and live foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18–24 °C (cool)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to moderate, around 2–15 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCool and temperate community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other cool or temperate community fish such as white cloud mountain minnows, smaller rainbowfish, peaceful danios and other corydoras that share its cooler preferences.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with large or aggressive fish, fin-nippers, and warm-water species that need consistently high temperatures. Avoid sharp gravel, which damages the barbels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232800162083,"sku":"AA1774","price":28.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232800194851,"sku":null,"price":33.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Banded_Corydoras_2de8a66e-0cc7-4d4f-b96f-2a38160ec55f.jpg?v=1781698777","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/banded-corydoras-scleromystax-barbatus","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}