Scleromystax salmacis,
has colouration similar to that of S.
macropterus,
differing from that species mainly by the absence
of a black spot on the base of the median caudal-fin
rays, and transverse blotches along the body more
irregular than those in S. macropterus. In
addition to differences in colouration and external
and osteological characters, the new species differs
from S.
barbatus and
S.
prionotos by
its more rounded snout. The new taxon is also distinguished
from its congeners by the presence of a single perforated
dorsolateral body plate, similar to the condition
found in some Aspidoras species, orientation
of the ventral keel of the scapulocoracoid, and by
the absence of sexually dimorphic features.
The genus Scleromystax belongs to Lineage
3 and if there was a revision carried out on the Corydoradinae
in the future they would remain so, with the designated
type species S. barbatus (Günther, 1864).
Aquarium Care: As with most members
of the Callichthyidaethey are peaceful.
The Scleromystax genera are good additions
to "cool water" aquarium set ups with maybe
other cool water fish such as White Cloud Mountain
Minnows and other fish that are comfortable with a
temperature around the 70°f (21.5°c) mark.
Diet: As with other members of the
Corydoradinae they relish tablet and good quality
flake food with frozen bloodworm a firm favourite.
They are also keen on chopped earthworms and other
worm foods such as white worm used sparingly, and
grindal worm. Remarks: In this genus
the males can be somewhat territorial when in breeding
mode.
Common
Name:
None
Synonyms:
None
Family:
Callichthyidae
Distribution:
South America:Brazil, Santa Catarina, Praia Grande, arroio
Molha Coco in Vila Rosa nearly 5.5 km northwest from
Praia Grande.
Size:
Male: 5.5 cm (2¼ins)
Female: 6.5cm (2¾ins)
Temp:
19-24°C (65-75°F)
p.H.
6.0-7.2.
Reference:
Ian A. M. Fuller &
Hans-Georg Evers (2011).
Identifying Corydoradinae Catfish Supplement 1. Ian
Fuller Enterprises.
Alexandrou, Markos & Taylor, Martin. (2011).
Evolution, ecology and taxonomy of the Corydoradinae
revisited. www.
corydorasworld.com
Britto, M.R. and R.E. Reis, 2005. A new Scleromystax
species (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from coastal
rivers of Southern Brazil. Neotrop. Ichthyol. 3(4):481-488.
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