Sterbai Corydora – Corydoras sterbai

The Sterbai Corydora (Corydoras sterbai) is one of the most striking and popular Cory catfish species — known for its bold white-spotted pattern on a dark brown body and its peaceful, social personality. Native to South America, this bottom-dwelling fish is perfect for community tanks and planted aquariums.

Sterbai Corys are hardy, gentle, and thrive in small groups of five or more. They spend their time scavenging along the substrate, helping keep the aquarium clean while adding lively movement and charm. Their unique appearance and calm nature make them a must-have for freshwater aquarists.

Features:

• 🐟 Scientific Name: Corydoras sterbai
• 🌎 Origin: Upper Rio Guaporé Basin, Brazil and Bolivia
• 💧 Temperament: Peaceful, schooling bottom dweller
• 🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – sinking pellets, wafers, frozen and live foods
• 🪸 Tank Level: Bottom
• ⚙️ Care Level: Easy

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 75–82°F (ideal for warmer tanks)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• KH: 2–12 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (group of 5+)
• Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel
• Environment: Planted aquarium with hiding areas and calm water flow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are Sterbai Corydoras peaceful?
A: Yes — they’re peaceful, social fish that thrive in groups and do well with other calm species.

Q: How big do Sterbai Corys get?
A: Adults reach about 2.5–3 inches in length.

Q: What do they eat?
A: They enjoy sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms, and live foods like daphnia or brine shrimp.

Q: Can they live with shrimp and snails?
A: Absolutely — they’re shrimp-safe and make great tankmates for peaceful community setups.

Q: What makes Sterbai Corys special?
A: Their spotted pattern, orange fins, and adaptability to warmer water make them ideal companions for species like Discus and Angelfish.