Long-finned Bearded Cory (Scleromystax macropterus) Care Guide
Scleromystax macropterus is a subtropical armoured catfish from coastal southern Brazil, reaching about 8-9 cm with long-finned males.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Scleromystax macropterus is an armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae, whose members carry bony plates instead of scales. According to Seriously Fish it reaches 80-90 mm standard length. Mature males develop longer pectoral and dorsal fins and a more intense pattern than females.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Scleromystax
- Scientific name: Scleromystax macropterus
Habitat
Seriously Fish records S. macropterus from the coastal states of São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina in southern Brazil, plus rio Paraná tributaries in Paraguay, with a type locality at Paranaguá, Paraná. It inhabits small blackwater streams flowing toward the Atlantic and also occurs in roadside ditches.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L
- Temperature: 18-24 °C (64-75 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Group size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Seriously Fish records the wild temperature range as 14-20 °C and pH 5.0-7.0, indicating a preference for cool, soft water within the broader KB tolerances.
Diet
Seriously Fish describes S. macropterus as a foraging omnivore accepting sinking dried foods, bloodworm and Tubifex. The species should not rely on aquarium leftovers and benefits from a varied diet over a soft sand substrate.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish notes that males are territorial towards each other, but the species is otherwise peaceful. The KB record lists tetras, rasboras and Otocinclus as compatible, while aggressive cichlids are best avoided. Best kept on soft sand in groups of six or more.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, S. macropterus is an egg depositor. Spawning is best attempted with one male per female and triggered by large 50-70% water changes using cooler water; eggs typically incubate for three to four days.
Scleromystax macropterus Breeding Guide
Overview
Scleromystax macropterus is a subtropical cory-relative reaching about 8.7 cm, ranging from Sao Paulo to Santa Catarina, Brazil, with some records from upper Parana tributaries. According to Wikipedia it lays eggs in dense vegetation and the adults do not guard them. As a cool-water Scleromystax, the well-documented breeding pattern of its close relative S. barbatus is the most reliable guide.
Sexing
Wikipedia does not document sexing for this species. In Scleromystax, mature males typically develop more pronounced head bristles and pattern while females become rounder and broader when gravid; this is presented as a genus-level expectation rather than a species-specific record.
Breeding Setup
- A spacious, well-oxygenated tank over fine sand
- Cool subtropical water: Wikipedia reports about 18-21 C and pH 6.0-8.0
- Hardness about 2-25 dGH (Wikipedia)
- Fine-leaved plants, clean glass and spawning mops as egg sites
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Wikipedia documents only that the species scatters eggs in dense vegetation without parental care. Following the pattern of the closely related S. barbatus, a large water change with cooler water plus increased oxygenation and flow, repeated daily, is the usual spawning stimulus; this is offered as a genus-level approach.
Egg & Fry Care
Because the adults do not guard the eggs, the clutch should be protected from being eaten or moved to a separate hatching container. As with S. barbatus, fungus control and high water quality help survival; once free-swimming, fry are reared on small live foods. Detailed species-specific data is not published.