Corydoras Sterbai (Sterba's Cory)

Corydoras sterbai, Sterbai's Corydoras, is one of the most visually striking and highly sought-after members of the corydoras genus. Native to the Guaporé River system on the border of Brazil and Bolivia, it displays a strikingly attractive reverse pattern: a dark brown to black body covered in white to cream spots on the flanks, while the head displays the reverse — white to cream ground colour with dark brown spots. The pectoral fin spines are vivid orange to gold — a distinctive detail shared by few other corydoras species.

Corydoras sterbai stands out from most corydoras species for an important care consideration: it is one of the few species that comfortably tolerates — and even prefers — higher tropical temperatures (26–30°C). This makes it uniquely compatible with warm-water community fish like Discus (Symphysodon spp.), which require 28–30°C, and other high-temperature tropical species. Most other corydoras species decline at these temperatures.

The Sterbai Cory is a cave-spawning breeder — unlike many corydoras species that scatter eggs, sterbai preferentially deposits eggs in caves or under broad leaves. However, standard aquarium spawning often follows the typical T-position corydoras pattern, with eggs deposited on plants, glass, and substrate.

This is a medium-sized corydoras reaching approximately 7 cm and is one of the premium corydoras species, often commanding higher prices than common species due to its striking appearance and warm-water compatibility.

Tank Setup: A minimum 60-litre tank for a group of six. Fine sand substrate (essential — sensitive barbels). Driftwood, broad-leaved plants (Amazon swords), caves, and gentle to moderate filtration. Warm temperature maintained consistently at 26–30°C — ideal for Discus tank companions.

Water Parameters: Temperature 26–30°C; pH 6.0–7.5; GH 3–15 °dH; KH 1–8 °dH. Tolerates higher temperatures than most corydoras — a key differentiating quality. Soft to moderately soft, slightly acidic water preferred.

Feeding: Omnivore bottom forager. Sinking pellets, corydoras wafers, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, Daphnia, and Tubifex. Feed in the evening. Ensure food reaches the substrate in community tanks with active upper-water feeders.

Tank Mates: Compatible with virtually all peaceful tropical species. Outstanding companion for Discus, Altum Angelfish, and other warm-water specialists where most corydoras cannot be used. Also excellent in standard tropical community tanks.

Behaviour: Social, peaceful bottom forager. Groups of 6+ are most active. Surface air gulping is normal intestinal respiration. More likely to spawn in warmer water than many other corydoras species.

Health: Hardy when kept warm. Sensitive to temperatures below 22°C — more so than many corydoras. Barbel erosion from sharp substrate is the primary health risk. Fine sand and regular water changes prevent most issues.