A striking Corydoras species with bold white spots on a dark body and orange-tinted pectoral fins. Peaceful and hardy, it is one of the most popular Corys in the aquarium hobby.
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A striking Corydoras species with bold white spots on a dark body and orange-tinted pectoral fins. Peaceful and hardy, it is one of the most popular Corys in the aquarium hobby.
Dark brown to black body covered in bold, evenly spaced white to bluish-white spots across the body and fins. Pectoral fins are often orange to golden in hue. Adults reach around 2.5–3 inches, with females being larger and rounder-bodied than males.
5–10 years
Omnivorous; accepts sinking pellets, wafers, bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables.
Sterbai Cory is one of the most visually striking and adaptable Corydoras. Its ability to thrive in warmer waters makes it unique among Corys, while its hardy and peaceful nature makes it ideal for both beginner and advanced aquarists. A group of Sterbais adds movement, character, and natural beauty to any aquarium.
Beginner to Intermediate
20–30 gallons (for a school of 6+)
6.0 to 7.5
2–15 dGH
75–82°F (24–28°C), tolerates up to 86°F short-term
2.5 to 3 inches
Discus, Angelfish, Tetras, Rasboras, Dwarf Gouramis, peaceful livebearers, Otocinclus, Plecos, Shrimp (with caution), and Snails.
Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predatory fish, or fin-nippers such as Tiger Barbs. Not suitable with fish that outcompete them for food.
Corydoras sterbai
Callichthyidae
Guaporé River region, Brazil and Bolivia; slow-moving, warm freshwater habitats with sandy bottoms and leaf litter.
Schooling species; thrives in groups of 6–10+. Peaceful with most community fish.
Feed 1–2 times daily with sinking micro-pellets and wafers. Supplement with frozen/live bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia for conditioning. Ensure food reaches the bottom.
pH: 6.0–7.5, Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C), Hardness: 2–15 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm
Barbel erosion from rough/dirty substrates, ich, and bacterial infections if water quality declines. Keep soft sand and stable, clean conditions to avoid health issues.
Very peaceful, schooling bottom-dweller. Active in groups of 6 or more, constantly foraging. Tolerates warmer waters compared to other Corydoras, making it a good choice for community tanks with species like Discus.
Sterbai Cory (Corydoras sterbai) is one of the most recognizable and admired Corydoras due to its unique spotted pattern and adaptability. Originating from the Guaporé River region of Brazil and Bolivia, Sterbai thrive in slow-moving, well-oxygenated waters with sandy or fine substrates. Unlike many Corys, they tolerate higher temperatures (up to 82–86°F), making them ideal companions for Discus and other warm-water species. Their social, playful nature shines in groups, where they display shoaling, synchronized foraging, and occasional playful dashes. They are armored catfish, with bony scutes instead of scales, and use their sensitive barbels to locate food particles. Their resilience, peaceful nature, and beauty make them a staple in community and biotope aquariums alike.