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Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 160 litres / 42.27 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 6.5cm / 2.56inches |
General Description
The genus Scleromystax, including Scleromystax Prionotos, belongs to the Callichthyidae family, known for their "armoured" or "mailed" catfish classification due to bony plates instead of scales on their bodies. With a confusing taxonomy and potential undiscovered species, they often receive "C" or "CW" numbers in the aquarium trade. These fish are facultative air breathers, featuring a modified, oxygen-aiding intestine. Despite their small size, their stiff pectoral-fin spines can deliver painful stings, speculated to contain mildly toxic secretions.
Aquarium Setup
For Scleromystax Prionotos, a tank with a minimum size of 160 liters is recommended. The ideal substrate is fine sand, although clean rounded gravel can be used. Aquascape choices are flexible, but providing cover is essential to ensure the fish feel secure in their environment.
Behaviour
Scleromystax Prionotos exhibit normal catfish behavior, often seeking refuge in hiding spaces and coming out to forage for food. They are known to rise to the water's surface to gulp air, a behavior linked to their oxygen intake strategy.
Feeding and Diet
As foraging omnivores, Scleromystax Prionotos accept various foods, including sinking dried options, small live, and frozen varieties like bloodworms and Tubifex. A diverse diet is crucial to maintain their optimal health, as they cannot survive on aquarium "leftovers."
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Information on the reproductive behavior and dimorphic features specific to Scleromystax Prionotos is not provided in the available data.
Habitat and Distribution
Scleromystax Prionotos are found exclusively in coastal river systems across Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo states in Brazil. The type locality for this species is in the Rio Doce system at Lagoa Juparaná, near Linhares, Espírito Santo.
Etymology
The name Scleromystax is derived from Ancient Greek, with "sklērós" meaning "hard" and "mýstax" referring to the upper lip. The species epithet "Prionotos" originates from the Greek term "prionotós," signifying "serrate," in reference to the serrated edge of the pectoral spine in this specific species.