Sterba’s corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) is a member of the South American Corydoras genus of freshwater aquarium catfish and one of the most popular species of Corydoras due to its attractive markings. The fish is native to the Guaporé River region between Bolivia and Brazil.
Sterba’s cory is distinguishable from other Corydoras species as it has white spots on a black background on its head. It is occasionally confused with Corydoras haraldschultzi; the difference is that the latter has a pattern of black dots on a white background on the head. C. sterbai has recently become available in an albino form and a black form.
Like many Corydoras species, Sterba’s corydoras is a shoaling catfish, and thus should ideally be kept in groups of 5 or more. In the wild it can be found in Brazil and thus, wild caught fish prefer soft, acidic water. However, Sterba’s corydoras is a hardy fish and tank bred specimens have adapted to a wider range of water conditions. However, like almost all fish it will not tolerate high levels of nitrates.
Unlike some other catfish they are not good algae eaters, but are good at “cleaning up” leftover food and detritus from the substrate.
Details
| Type | Catfish |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Species | Corydoras Sterbai |
| Synonyms | Corydoras sterbae |
| Origins | Bolivia & Brazil, South America |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above. |
| Length | 7 cm |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Temperature | 22 - 29 deg C |
| Water parameters | pH 6.0 - 7.5, dH 1 - 18 |
Care
These widely available armoured catfish are ideal for the general community aquarium. Wild-caught specimens, aren't often seen but are best maintained in softwater aquaria. Like all species of Corydoras catfish, these fish must be kept on a soft sand substrate in order to protect the delicate sensory barbel area, and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to their shoaling nature. Planted areas and other hiding places should be provided for the times when these busy fish aren't out foraging through the substrate. In a family of fishes that prefer cooler temperatures, this species is one of the most suitable for keeping alongside species such as Discus that require warmth. This fish is similar to the other peach-finned species C. haraldschultzi and C. gossei. C. sterbai have much rounder heads compared to the longer snouted C. haraldschultzi. Also, C. sterbai sports a pattern of white dots on a dark background on the head area, whereas C. haraldschultzi’s head area has a pattern of dark spots on a light background. C. gossei is a much darker fish and like haraldschultzi, is likely to be told apart from sterbai by price alone. Prior to becoming a captive bred staple, wild sterbai could be seen at prices of more than £50 each a couple of decades ago, so far their close cousins have remained far more rare. An albino variety of this species is also available and the two forms can be happily mixed.Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.Breeding
Mature fish (2 males:1 female) can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change and letting the temperature slowly creep back up to around 28 deg C. A pair will adopt the classic Corydoras ‘T position’ where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the females’ pelvic fins. The semi-adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, décor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs generally take around 5 days to hatch, and after a further 72-96 hours they will become free-swimming and are able to take finely-powdered first foods and newly hatched brineshrimp. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited.
