Scleromystax barbatus Breeding Guide
Breeding the bearded cory Scleromystax barbatus: sexing bristled males, the cool water-change trigger, egg deposition and rearing the fry.
Overview
Scleromystax barbatus, the bearded cory, is a large cory-relative reaching about 90-100 mm, found in coastal rivers of south-eastern Brazil between Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina. It prefers cool, well-oxygenated water and is a substrate-and-surface egg-depositor that can be bred in the aquarium with attention to temperature and oxygen.
Sexing
This species is strongly sexually dimorphic. According to Seriously Fish, males show a white or gold stripe against black on the forehead, a more defined spotted pattern on the head, and facial bristles resembling a beard. Females are slightly larger with a more rounded body, particularly when in breeding condition.
Conditioning
Condition the fish well and use a single male per female to limit male aggression. Keep the group in cool, clean, oxygenated water on a varied diet until females become visibly gravid.
Breeding Setup
- Tank with base dimensions of at least 120 x 45 cm (Seriously Fish)
- Temperature 16-24 C and pH 5.5-7.5
- Hardness about 18-215 ppm
- Fine sand base, fine-leaved plants, clean glass and spawning mops as egg sites
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
When females appear gravid, Seriously Fish advises a large 50-70% water change with cooler water plus increased oxygenation and flow, repeated daily until the fish spawn. Eggs are deposited on the aquarium glass, among fine-leaved plants, or within sunken spawning mops.
Egg & Fry Care
After spawning, remove either the adults or the eggs; eggs can usually be rolled gently up the glass with a finger. Most breeders add methylene blue or an alder cone or two to prevent fungus. Eggs hatch in 3-4 days. Once the yolk sacs are absorbed, fry accept small live foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii. They are not the easiest to raise and need excellent water quality, but seem less prone to ailments when kept over a thin layer of sand rather than bare glass.
Common Challenges
Male aggression toward rival males and the need for sustained cool, high-quality water are the main difficulties. Fungal loss of eggs and demanding fry conditions also require attention.