Distribution
\nOccurs in tributaries of the coastal rios Guapi, Capivari, and Inbomirim in south-eastern Brazil, between Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina.
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\nType locality is ‘Fazenda da Japuhyba near Angra dos Reis, 22°59’S, 44°17’W, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’.
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\nHabitat
\nAlthough found in coastal basins, the fish only occurs in freshwater; this and all species in the genus inhabit small flowing tributary streams and still ponds having a substrate of sand or fine pebbles often covered by mud (Britto & Reis, 2005).
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\nMaximum Standard Length
\n90 – 100 mm; the largest of the known Corydoradinae.
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\nAquarium SizeTOP ↑
\nMinimum base dimensions of 120 ∗ 45 cm or equivalent are recommended.
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\nMaintenance
\nIdeally use a substrate of fine sand, although rounded gravel is an acceptable alternative provided it’s kept scrupulously clean.
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\nOther décor is largely down to personal choice, but some cover should be provided, particularly if you wish to keep more than a single male.
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\nWater Conditions
\nTemperature: 16 – 24 °C
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\npH: 5.5 – 7.5
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\nHardness: 18 – 215 ppm
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\nDiet
\nScleromystax spp. are foraging omnivores, and most will accept sinking dried foods as well as small live and frozen varieties such as chironomid larvae (bloodworm), Tubifex, etc. Feeding a varied diet will ensure the fish are in optimum condition.
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\nUnder no circumstances should they be expected to survive on ‘left-overs’ from other inhabitants of the aquarium or relied on to ‘clean’ the aquarium.
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\nBehaviour and CompatibilityTOP ↑
\nMales are aggressively territorial towards one another and cannot be maintained together in smaller aquaria, otherwise peaceful..
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\nSexual Dimorphism
\nMale has a white/gold stripe against black on the forehead, more defined spotted pattern on the head and facial bristles like a beard. Females have a more rounded body, particularly when in breeding condition, and are slightly larger.
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\nReference: https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/scleromystax-barbatus/
