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Giant Cory, Barbatus Catfish, Bearded Catfish, Banded Catfish, Filigree Cory [Pictures]
Corydoras barbatus
Synonyms:
Callichthys barbatus, Corydoras eigenmanni, C. kronei, Scleromystax barbatus, S. kronei
Physical description: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21. Two pairs are located
on the upper jaw. The base body color is light brown to beige with an overlaying hodgepodge of various patterns
and hues of brown.
The belly is white and the fins are spotted.
Several different color variations
exist.
Size/Length: To 5" (13 cm)
Similar species: Young
C. barbatus resemble the Long-fin
Cory (Corydoras
macropterus ).
H: South America; in small coastal mountain rivers and creeks from Rio
de Janerio to Sao Paulo, Brazil
A: bottom
Aquarium: 28" (70 cm) or 20 gallons (75 L). As for other
Corydoras
species.
See the genus description.
Water chemistry: pH 5.8-7.5 (6.6); 2-15 dH (7); 68-75°F (20-24°C)
FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , brine shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake
Social behavior: A peaceful, undemanding fish, ideal for community tanks with small
to large fish.
Likes to shoal.
Social behavior: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish
Suggested companions: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful.
Males with maturity, develop cheek bristles.
Breeding techniques:
To breed this species, a school
of 7-10 should be kept.
Prior to spawning, frequent partial water changes
should be preformed and the group should be conditioned with insect larvae.
Spawning is initiated by the
addition of cooler water (66-70°F).
Eggs are laid high on the glass wall of the aquarium,
usually in groups of 5-7.
A total of 60 eggs are laid.
Follow recommendations for other
Corydoras species.
Breeding potential: 6.
This catfish is not especially
difficult to breed.
Remarks: Largest of the known
Corydoras species.
Sensitive to water pollutants.
There are several regional variations,
some of which may be separate, distinct species.
Difficulty of care: 3.
A hardy fish recommended for
most community tanks.
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