Barbatus Cory

The Barbatus Cory is also called the Bearded Cory for the long whiskers of older specimens and the Banded Cory for the vivid black and white banding on the body. This rare cory was discovered in Brazil by Joseph Gaimard in 1824. Seldom caught, most in the hobby are tank-raised in Singapore. Our Barbatus Cory are tank-raised. When the small catfish reach two inches, a bright orange or gold line appears on the top of the body. Barbatus Cory feed in the same way as other cory and are very suitable for most fish tanks. The exception would be nano tanks, since this cory can grow to three inches.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them a heater, a gentle filter and a soft sand or smooth, fine gravel bottom. Plants, driftwood and a few shady spots help them feel secure. Corys are sensitive to salt and some medications (especially copper), so check labels before treating the tank.

Feeding: Corys need their own food, not just leftovers. Feed sinking pellets or wafers once or twice a day so food reaches the bottom. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Corys get along with almost any peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, livebearers, gouramis, angelfish and bettas. Avoid large fish that could swallow them and aggressive bottom dwellers.

Good to know: Barbatus come from cool coastal streams, so keep them below the mid 70s with good water flow and oxygen.