Scleromystax prionotos

Scleromystax: from the Ancient Greek σκληρός (sklērós), meaning 'hard', and μύσταξ (mústaks), meaning 'upper lip'.

prionotos: from the Ancient Greek πριονoτός (prionotós), meaning 'serrate', in allusion to the serrated medial border of the pectoral spine in this species.

Known only from coastal river systems in the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.

Type locality is 'Linhares, 19°22'S, 40°04'W, Lagoa Juparaná, Rio Doce system, Espírito Santo State, Brazil'.

Minimum base dimensions of 120 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 in or equivalent are recommended.

Ideally use a substrate of fine sand, although rounded gravel is an acceptable alternative provided it’s kept scrupulously clean.

Other décor is largely down to personal choice, but some cover should be provided to give the fish security.

Scleromystax spp. are foraging omnivores, and most will accept sinking dried foods as well as small live and frozen varieties such as chironomid larvae (bloodworm), Tubifex, etc. Feeding a varied diet will ensure the fish are in optimum condition.

Under no circumstances should they be expected to survive on 'left-overs' from other inhabitants of the aquarium or relied on to 'clean' the aquarium.

The genus Scleromystax is included in the family Callichthyidae, of which members are often referred to collectively as 'armoured' or 'mailed' catfishes group due to the presence of bony plates in place of scales on the body.

Their taxonomy is confusing, and numerous undescribed species are also thought to exist. Fish of unconfirmed identification entering the aquarium hobby are therefore typically assigned a 'C' or 'CW' number for purposes of reference and organisation.

They are facultative air breathers and possess a modified, highly vascularised intestine which has evolved to facilitate uptake of atmospheric oxygen and aid survival in oxygen-deprived environments. In the aquarium you'll occasionally see them rising to the surface to take in gulps of air.

The stiffened pectoral-fin spines are capable of piercing human skin and a 'sting' can be very painful indeed, so care should be exercised when handling them. It is thought that secretions from the axillary glands at the base of each spine may even be mildly toxic or venomous.