Bring vibrant life to the bottom of your aquarium with the Sterbai Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai). Renowned for its striking pattern of white dots against a dark body and eye-catching orange pectoral fins, the Sterbai Cory is one of the most sought-after freshwater catfish in the aquarium hobby. Active, peaceful, and hardy, this schooling bottom-feeder keeps your substrate clean while adding continuous charm and movement to community tanks.

At a Glance

• Scientific Name: Corydoras sterbai

• Origin: South America (Guaporé River Basin, Brazil & Bolivia)

• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

• Temperament: Peaceful, Schooling Fish

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons (for a group of 6)

• Diet: Omnivore (Sinking Pellets & Frozen Foods)

• Water Temperature: 75°F – 82°F (24°C – 28°C)

• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.6

Detailed Care & Aquarium Guide

Origin & Natural Habitat

Native to the slow-moving rivers and forest streams of the Guaporé River basin in South America (spanning parts of central Brazil and Bolivia), Sterbai Corydoras thrive in soft, slightly acidic waters shaded by dense jungle canopies and fallen timber.

Tank Size & Ideal Environment

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended to accommodate a small school of 6 or more. Because Corydoras spend almost all of their time sifting through the bottom layer, fine pool sand or soft rounded gravel is essential to prevent injury to their sensitive barbels. Decorate the aquarium with driftwood branches, leaf litter, and live aquatic plants (such as Anubias, Java Fern, or Amazon Swords) to provide shaded hiding spots and mimic their natural habitat.

Water Parameters & Care

Sterbai Corys are exceptionally hardy once established, making them a fantastic choice for both novice and seasoned aquarists. Unlike many other Corydoras species, the Sterbai Corydora is notably warm-water tolerant, capable of thriving in temperatures up to 82°F. Maintain good water quality with consistent weekly water changes and moderate filtration.

• Temperature: 75°F – 82°F (24°C – 28°C)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.6

• Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH

Feeding & Diet

As natural bottom scavengers, Sterbai Corys feed on leftovers that fall past top-dwelling fish. However, they should not rely solely on debris. Provide a balanced diet consisting of high-quality sinking catfish pellets, wafer formulas, and spirulina tablets. Treat them regularly with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp to maintain optimal coloration and breeding condition.

Compatible Tank Mates

Sterbai Corydoras are extremely peaceful and do well in community aquariums. Because they thrive in warmer water, they are famously one of the best bottom-dwelling tank mates for Discus and Angelfish. Ideal companions include:

• Tetras: Cardinal Tetras, Rummynose Tetras, Neon Tetras

• Dwarf Cichlids: German Blue Rams, Apistogramma

• Rasboras & Gouramis

• Invertebrates: Nerite Snails and larger peaceful shrimp (note: baby shrimp may be eaten)

Always keep Sterbai Corys in groups of at least 6 individuals, as they are social schooling fish that display far more natural, confident behavior when kept together.

Breeding Information

Sterbai Corydoras are egg-scatterers and relatively straightforward to breed in captivity. Trigger spawning by feeding rich live/frozen foods and performing a 20–30% water change with slightly cooler, soft water to simulate natural rainfall. The female will carry fertilized eggs between her pelvic fins and adhere them to aquarium glass, smooth plant leaves, or mops. Remove the parents after spawning to prevent egg predation.

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