C113 Cory

About

Found in the coastal state of Bahia in eastern Brazil, south of Salvador, this unidentified Scleromystax carries the code name c113 because, like several of its relatives, it has yet to receive a formal scientific description. The genus sits within the family Callichthyidae, a group of catfishes that carry rows of bony plates instead of scales, earning them the collective nickname of armoured or mailed catfishes. Despite a beginner-friendly care rating, the temperament here comes with a caveat: males are genuinely territorial toward each other and will harass rivals relentlessly in confined spaces, so tank size and group composition need some thought. Keep a sensible ratio of males to females and give everyone room to establish their own corners. Like other callichthyids, these fish can gulp atmospheric air at the surface thanks to a modified, vascularised intestine, so you will occasionally see them making a quick dash upward, which is completely normal behaviour. One practical note worth passing along to anyone new to handling them: the stiffened pectoral spines can easily pierce skin and deliver a genuinely painful wound, with some evidence suggesting the secretions at the spine base may be mildly venomous. Use a soft net and handle with care. Breeding follows the typical Corydoras-style approach and is achievable for patient keepers willing to manage water changes and egg care.