A highly popular and peaceful schooling catfish known for its striking white-on-black spotted pattern and bright orange pectoral fins. Uniquely among Corydoras, they thrive in higher temperatures, making them excellent bottom-dwelling companions for warm-water species like Discus. They are obligate shoalers and must be kept on fine sand to prevent the erosion and infection of their delicate barbels.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Spotted
Albino
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Albino Sterbai, White Cory
Sterba's Corydoras Care Summary
The Sterba's Corydoras, scientifically known as Corydoras sterbai, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6.8 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Sterba's Corydoras requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.6 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. To replicate their natural habitat, the tank should include sand (sifters).
As a schooling species, Sterba's Corydoras should be kept in groups of at least 6. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard and Albino. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Similar Species
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish known for its armor-like scales (scutes) and active bottom-feeding behavior. They are essential clean-up crew members but require a dedicated sinking diet (not just leftovers). Sand substrate is strictly required to prevent erosion and infection of their sensitive barbels. They are 'gut breathers' and will occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish easily identified by its black eye patches and spotted dorsal/tail fins, resembling a giant panda. Native to the cooler waters of the Ucayali river system in Peru, they require slightly lower temperatures than many standard tropical community fish. They are strict bottom-dwellers that sift through the substrate for food.
Rummy-Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Renowned as the tightest schooling fish in the freshwater hobby. They feature a bright red nose, a silver body, and a black-and-white checkered tail. They are excellent 'indicator fish'; their red noses will fade to pale pink if water quality drops or the fish are stressed. While there are three very similar species (H. rhodostomus, H. bleheri, P. georgiae) often sold under the same name, their care requirements are identical.
Boeseman's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia boesemani
An incredibly popular and active schooling fish endemic to the Ajamaru Lakes in West Papua, Indonesia (currently listed as Endangered in the wild by the IUCN due to overfishing and habitat loss, though commercially captive-bred). Famous for the mature male's spectacular blue and orange split-coloration. They require long tanks for active swimming, excellent oxygenation, and warm, hard, alkaline water to thrive.
Red-Tail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
A massive, fast-growing predatory catfish from the Amazon basin. Famous for its voracious appetite, bulldozer-like behavior, and distinct red caudal fin. Due to its enormous adult size (often exceeding 4 feet), it is strictly a 'monster fish' that requires a heated indoor pond or a colossal custom aquarium. It is highly predatory and will swallow absolutely any tank mate that can fit into its cavernous mouth.
Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Known as the 'King of the Aquarium', Discus are stunning, heavily laterally-compressed cichlids. They are famous for their demanding husbandry, requiring high temperatures (28-32°C / 82-90°F), pristine water quality, and specialized diets. They are schooling fish that establish a strict pecking order and must be kept in groups to prevent intense bullying of a single weaker fish.