Sterbai Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) Care Guide
Peaceful armored catfish from the Guapore basin, recognised by white spots on a dark body and orange pectoral fins. Tolerates warmer water than most corys.
Overview
Corydoras sterbai is a peaceful armored catfish in the family Callichthyidae from central South America. Its dark body decorated with fine white spots and bright orange pectoral fins makes it a popular choice in community aquaria, especially as a tankmate for warm-water species such as discus.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras sterbai
Habitat
The species is native to the Rio Guapore drainage along the border between Bolivia and Brazil. It inhabits slow-moving, warm tropical waters over soft substrates. Most specimens in the trade are produced commercially in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: at least 6 individuals
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
Diet
An undemanding omnivore that accepts sinking pellets and granules supplemented with live or frozen invertebrates such as bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia. The species does not consume algae and should not be expected to clean a tank.
Compatibility
Peaceful and gregarious, this species is best kept in groups of six or more on a fine sand substrate. Its high heat tolerance makes it an excellent companion for Discus, Cardinal Tetra, German Blue Ram and Angelfish. Large or aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
Considered one of the easier Corydoras species to spawn. A 2:1 male-to-female ratio works well; a cool water change combined with strong aeration triggers spawning. Females deposit adhesive eggs in batches on glass, plants and decor. Fry hatch within a few days and can be raised on microworms and Artemia nauplii.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Populations are stable and the species is widely produced in commercial breeding facilities.