The Sterbai Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) is a beautiful and popular bottom-dwelling catfish known for its dark body, cream-white spotting and bright orange pectoral fins. Peaceful, hardy and highly social, Sterbai Corydoras are an excellent choice for warm community aquariums and are especially well suited to setups containing discus.
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Adult size: Approximately 6–7 cm
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Temperament: Very peaceful and social
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Social behaviour: Shoaling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6, with groups of 8 or more preferred
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Tank mates: Excellent with peaceful tetras, rasboras, angelfish, discus, dwarf cichlids and other non-aggressive community fish
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Avoid with: Large aggressive cichlids or fish that may harass them or outcompete them for food
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Recommended temperature: 24–28°C
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Recommended pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
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Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Minimum tank size: Around 75 L for a small group, with larger tanks preferred
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Tank setup: Best kept over fine sand or very smooth substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Provide plants, driftwood, shaded areas and clean, well-oxygenated water
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Diet: Omnivorous; feed quality sinking pellets or wafers alongside frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia
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Care level: Beginner to intermediate
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Swimming level: Primarily bottom-dwelling, although they may occasionally swim into the mid-water
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Special note: Sterbai Corydoras tolerate warmer temperatures than many other Corydoras species, making them a popular companion for discus
Sterbai Corydoras are highly social and should not be kept alone. They spend much of their time foraging together along the substrate, and keeping a proper-sized group helps them feel secure and encourages natural, active behaviour.
Live fish are sold subject to availability and may vary slightly in size and colouration. Please review our livestock shipping and DOA guarantee before ordering.
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