Sterbas Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai)
The Sterba's Corydoras is a peaceful, playful and exciting bottom-dwelling member of the armoured catfish group and is one of the most popular species of Corydoras to own because of its beautiful markings.
These Catfish are suitable for most community aquariums, but it is not advisable to keep them with anything large or aggressive. Good tankmates can include small cyprinids, characins, dwarf cichlids, anabantoids, and other peaceful catfish.
Always try to keep Sterba's Corydoras in groups as they are far more confident and active in the presence of the same species. A group of at least six is recommended.
The Sterba's Corydoras primary colour is dark brown with lines of different shaped white spots on a black background. On its head, these spots are randomly located.
Their fins are translucent with a scarcely noticeable dotted pattern, and their abdomen is an orangy colour. The body of this species is a rounded shape, which narrows to the caudal fin. This fish also features gold markings, highlighting both its body and the edges of its fins.
They have bulging eyes on the head, and a series of antennae are positioned underneath them which they use as an antenna for orientation purposes.
Photos
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras sterbai |
| Other Names | Sterba's Cory, Sterbai Cory |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Bolivia, Brazil |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 1 - 15 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 70 - 77℉ 21.1 - 25℃ | |
Natural Habitat
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Sterbas Corydoras will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Tank Mates
1 interesting tank mate ideas for the Sterbas Corydoras could include:
Sexual Dimorphism
It is easy to differentiate a female from a male when viewed from above. The males are smaller and more slender whereas the females are slightly larger, broader bodied and have a more rounded belly especially when full of eggs than the males.