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.
Lineage: 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:
Alexandrou, Markos
& Taylor, Martin. (2011). Evolution,
ecology and taxonomy of the Corydoradinae revisited. 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. Ian A. M. Fuller &
Hans-Georg Evers (2011).
Identifying Corydoradinae Catfish Supplement 1. Ian
Fuller Enterprises. www.
corydorasworld.com
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