Barbatus Cory (Scleromstax barbatus)

A large growing and impressively marked Cory Cat, the Bearded or Barbatus Cory is found in several rivers near Rio de Janeiro in Southeastern Brazil. Wild imports are rare, but the species has been bred for the aquarium trade for years now and most specimens offered (including ours) are tank raised. With their large adult size and vivid black-and-gold pattern, this species is deservedly popular for medium to large community aquariums and like most Corydoras and close relatives, will do best in groups of five or more. This species is much more cold tolerant than many other tropical fish, and prefer temperatures in the low- to mid-70s Fahrenheit.