A large, striking, and somewhat atypical relative of standard Corydoras. Native to the highly oxygenated, cooler coastal streams of Brazil, they require sub-tropical temperatures and will stress or die in standard tropical tanks. They exhibit strong sexual dimorphism. Highly social, they must be kept on a soft sand substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
Bearded Cory At a Glance
Bearded Cory Tank Requirements
Will Bearded Cory fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bearded Cory needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bearded Cory against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Bearded Cory Water Parameters
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Bearded Cory Temperament & Compatibility
Bearded Cory Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males grow significantly larger, possess striking contrasting black-and-gold patterns, and develop distinct bristles (odontodes) on their cheeks. Unlike standard Corydoras, males can be mildly territorial with each other over females, so providing ample floor space is recommended.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Bearded Cory, Bristle Cory
Female
Females are smaller, have a more mottled and subdued pattern, and lack cheek bristles. They are extremely peaceful and should ideally outnumber or equal the males in a group.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Bearded Cory
Bearded Cory Care Guide Summary
The Bearded Cory, scientifically known as Scleromystax barbatus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 9 cm and have a depressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bearded Cory requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 16°C and 23°C, with a pH range of 6–7.4 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Bearded Cory is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Bearded Cory Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bearded Cory, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour.
Bearded Cory Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Bearded Cory is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bearded Cory Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bearded Cory.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bearded Cory
How big does Bearded Cory get?
Bearded Cory (Scleromystax barbatus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 9 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bearded Cory need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Bearded Cory. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bearded Cory need?
Bearded Cory thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 16–23°C, a pH between 6 and 7.4, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Bearded Cory peaceful or aggressive?
Bearded Cory is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Bearded Cory should be kept together?
Bearded Cory is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Bearded Cory have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bearded Cory benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Bearded Cory
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bearded Cory based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesCrimsonspotted Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia duboulayi
Ideal Tank MatesCairns Rainbowfish
Cairnsichthys rhombosomoides
Ideal Tank MatesBloodfin Tetra
Aphyocharax anisitsi
Ideal Tank MatesWhite Cloud Mountain Minnow
Tanichthys albonubes
Ideal Tank MatesGertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Pseudomugil gertrudae
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Bearded Cory
These plants pair well with Bearded Cory based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Bearded Cory
Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.
Black Fin Cory
Corydoras leucomelas
A peaceful schooling catfish native to the Amazon basin, easily identified by its black dorsal fin and a dark mask-like band across its eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are bottom-dwellers that use sensitive barbels to forage. They possess a modified intestine allowing them to gulp atmospheric air, so occasional darts to the surface are normal. They are highly social and require a soft sandy substrate to prevent barbel erosion.
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Corydoras loxozonus
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish native to the Rio Meta basin in Colombia. Known for the distinctive diagonal black stripe across its back and a mask over its eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft, sandy substrate is strictly required to prevent damage to their delicate barbels as they sift for food.
Agassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling armored catfish native to the Amazon River basin. They are easily identified by their silvery body with dark spots and a distinct black mask over their eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft sand substrate is absolutely essential to protect their delicate sensory barbels as they forage.
Duplicareus Corydoras
Corydoras duplicareus
A peaceful, highly social schooling catfish native to the upper Rio Negro basin in South America. They are easily identified by their bright orange patch on the snout and a broad black band running down their back. Like all Corydoras, they require soft sand to sift through without damaging their delicate sensory barbels.
Bandit Cory
Corydoras metae
A highly social, peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish endemic to the Rio Meta basin in Colombia. Instantly recognizable by the black 'bandit' mask over its eyes and the dark ridge stripe along its back. Like all Corydoras, they must be kept on a soft sand substrate to prevent severe damage and infection to their sensitive foraging barbels. They are schooling fish that require groups of at least 6 to thrive and display natural behavior.