Young Sterbai with no barbels

[Firestorming]

Hi all, long time reader, just joined and here is my first post asking help

I have a trio of large C. sterbai in a community tank who spawn every other week, I was not bothered about this until I spotted some
2cm long juvies. They are now at the inch length and have minimal barbels, the substrate is soft sand so I am pretty sure its not the cause,
the adults are fine its just these few young who have survived in the tank.
Any ideas as to why would be tops.

Regards,
Brett.

[Sp00ky]

One cause of loss of barbels is caused by infection. If they are young, the chances are they could grow back. If infection is not the cause then it could be something genetic.

Have they ever had full barbels?

Is there any redness?

[Firestorming]

Never any redness and no other fish in the tank has shown this illness.
pH is always 6.6-7.8 temps is between 24-28 pending on seasons.
You might be right about genetics, though all adults have healthy looking barbels, I guess if the fish are doing well I should just be happy, they feed fine and interact with the other cories.