Bearded Catfish (Scleromystax barbatus)

• Minimum Tank Size: 120–150 litres (approx. 30–40 gallons) for a small group. A long tank is preferred over a tall one to provide maximum floor space.
• Water Temperature: 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). Note: This is a sub-tropical species; they do not thrive in long-term “tropical” heat and require a cooler environment.
• pH Level: 6.0 – 7.2 (Slightly acidic to neutral).
• Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH (Soft to moderately hard).

• Primary Foods: High-quality sinking pellets, catfish wafers, and tablets.
• Live/Frozen Foods: They thrive on bloodworms, tubifex, white worms, and brineshrimp.
• Feeding Tip: They are active feeders but can be outcompeted by fast-swimming mid-water fish. Ensure food reaches the bottom.

• Temperament: Generally peaceful, though males can be territorial toward one another during spawning.
• Social Structure: They are gregarious and should be kept in groups of 5 or more.
• Tank Mates: Best kept with other cooler-water species such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Danio species, or other South American fish that tolerate sub-tropical temperatures.
• Warning: Do not house them with aggressive substrate-dwellers or fish that require temperatures above 25°C.

• Substrate:Soft sand is vital. Coarse gravel can erode their delicate barbels and the male’s cheek bristles, leading to infections.
• Decor: Provide plenty of cover with driftwood, bogwood, and smooth river stones. Large-leaved plants like Amazon Swords provide excellent shade.
• Oxygenation: They inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams. High oxygen levels and a moderate-to-strong current (using a powerhead or spray bar) are essential.
• Water Quality: They are sensitive to nitrate build-up; weekly 25–30% water changes are mandatory.

• Size: One of the largest in its family; males can reach 10–12 cm (4–5 inches).
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are significantly more colourful, with a “chequerboard” pattern of gold and black, and possess the namesake bristles on the sides of the snout. Females are rounder and less intensely marked.
• Breeding: They are egg-layers. Unlike Corydoras, Scleromystax males often guard a small territory where spawning takes place.

Convenient nationwide delivery; you’re only a click away!

Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.