{"product_id":"barbatos-corydoras","title":"Barbatos Corydoras","description":"\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Barbatus Corydoras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barbatus Corydoras is a unique and highly sought-after South American catfish, admired for its elongated body, striking metallic colouration, and impressive facial bristles that develop in mature males. Formerly classified as a \u003cem\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/em\u003e, this fascinating species now belongs to the genus \u003cem\u003eScleromystax\u003c\/em\u003e and is one of the largest and most distinctive members of the Corydoradinae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the cool, clear coastal streams of southeastern Brazil, the Barbatus Corydoras displays beautiful shades of bronze, green, blue, and silver that shimmer under aquarium lighting. Mature males develop long odontodes (bristle-like growths) around the cheeks and pectoral fins during breeding, giving them a unique appearance unlike any other Corydoras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese peaceful bottom-dwellers thrive in well-oxygenated aquariums with a fine sand substrate, driftwood, smooth rocks, and dense planting. They should be kept in groups of at least six and make excellent companions for tetras, rasboras, rainbowfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and other community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy, active, and full of personality, the Barbatus Corydoras is an outstanding choice for aquarists looking for a rare and impressive bottom-dwelling species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScleromystax barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarbatus Corydoras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoutheastern Brazil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9–10 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e90 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20–25°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–12 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8–10 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommunity aquariums, planted tanks, and cool tropical aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Barbatus Corydoras actually a Corydoras?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough commonly known as the Barbatus Corydoras, this species is now scientifically classified as \u003cem\u003eScleromystax barbatus\u003c\/em\u003e, a closely related genus of armoured catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many Barbatus Corydoras should I keep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are social fish and should always be kept in groups of at least six to encourage natural behaviour and reduce stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Barbatus Corydoras eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey readily accept quality sinking pellets, Corydoras wafers, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, and other protein-rich sinking foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy do the males have whiskers on their face?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature males develop prominent bristle-like odontodes around their cheeks and pectoral fins during breeding, making them easy to distinguish from females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Barbatus Corydoras need sand?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A fine sand substrate allows them to forage naturally and helps protect their sensitive barbels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in warm aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarbatus Corydoras prefer cooler tropical temperatures than many other Corydoras species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them alone\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are social fish and should always be maintained in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUsing sharp gravel\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoarse substrates can damage their barbels and discourage natural feeding behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAssuming they only eat leftover food\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide dedicated sinking foods to ensure they receive a balanced diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClean, well-oxygenated water and regular maintenance are essential for keeping this species healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853894103179,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/0dTrDtX3n-AIc5iEw4MQLY3UWGVTeZfel5Ou3UFZAKhGx_n0Jy7YC4-FRj_4mr0AfsubWYw6qRlV8wU3Pgfm4nFuUaTRcSRN3340zkzt3BsfmbaO0P1XaaFLc-7wg6vL5P5YmXa7pbkyvQYooQiRzV5V8jvPQEYj9Er9wG56Jqjz0w0-iDBy0IJ.jpg?v=1785999973","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/barbatos-corydoras","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}