

Corydoras sterbai (Sterba Cory) is an excellent and beautiful freshwater catfish species that aquarists love all over the world. This Corydoras sterbai catfish is native to the Guaporé River Basin of Bolivia and Brazil, but has a powerful dark color and bright white spots all over the body, and bright orange pectoral fins. For being non-aggressive, social, and bottom-dwelling, social Sterbai Corys are an excellent addition to a community tank of all levels; new and experienced hobbyists alike.
Scientific Name: Corydoras sterbai
Common Names: Sterba’s Cory, Sterbai Corydoras
Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys sinking pellets, wafers, flakes, and live/frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp
Water Parameters :
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH Level: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–25 dGH
Striking Appearance: Unique white polka-dot pattern on a deep charcoal body with eye-catching orange pectoral fins.
Peaceful Nature: Peaceful and very friendly, good in community setups.
Social Schooling Behavior: should be in groups of six or more to demonstrate their natural shoaling behavior.
Hardy and Beginner-Friendly: Versatile to a large variety of environments -great for both novice and experienced aquarists.
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters)
Best Substrate for Corydoras Sterbai: Soft sand to protect delicate barbels.
Aquascape: Add driftwood, rocks, caves, and live plants to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spaces.
Lighting: Light to minimize stress.
Filtration: Intense biological filtration with a low flow to follow the production of clear and stable water.
Corydoras Sterbai tank mates should be peaceful and small. Good choices include:
Avoid large or aggressive fish that may harass or prey on them.
Staple Diet: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers.
Supplementary Foods: To stimulate coloration and health, feed live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia 2-3 times per week.
Feeding Frequency: Small meals one or two times per day. Only feed them what they can in 2-3 minutes, so they do not overfeed, and because there can be issues with the quality of the water.
Regular Water Changes: Have 25-30 percent of the water changed every week to ensure that the water is clean.
Check Corydoras Sterbai water parameters using a test kit to make sure that it is stable.
Observation: Pay attention to any stress or disease (light-sensitivity, slow actions).
Quarantine New Fish: Keep off the diseases by isolating the new members.
Corydoras Sterbai can be bred in residential aquariums. To breed Corydoras Sterbai:
Provide soft, slightly acidic water (pH ~6.5) and cooler water changes to trigger spawning.
Install egg-laying surfaces in the form of mops or flat surfaces.
Remove adults after eggs are laid to prevent egg predation.
Can Corydoras Sterbai be kept alone?
They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six to exhibit natural behaviors and reduce stress.
Do they require a heater in the aquarium?
Yes, maintaining a stable temperature between 72–79°F (22–26°C) is essential for their health.
Are they suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Their hardy nature and peaceful temperament make them ideal for novice aquarists.
How can I enhance their coloration?
A varied diet, maintaining high water quality, and using a natural substrate can help accentuate their subtle colors.
Healthy, Quarantined Fish: All our Sterbai Cory catfish are well-acclimated and disease-free.
Expert Support: Our aquatics staff will take you through the process of caring, setting up, and feeding Sterbai Corydoras.
Ethical Sourcing: We deal with select breeders to source healthy and sustainable stock.
Contemporary Corydoras Sterbai price that offers continuous care recommendations after sales.
Choose Corydoras sterbai at FishutAqua in order to add dramatic beauty, restful schooling conduct, as well as natural bottom cleaning action to your aquarium. They are ideal with beginners and experts; they form an exciting, balanced, and attractive freshwater display. FishutAqua Shop now and change your aquarium today!
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