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
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Water Parameters
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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
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesSterba's Corydoras Care Guide 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. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Sterba's Corydoras is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. 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.
Sterba's Corydoras Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Sterba's Corydoras, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
Sterba's Corydoras Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Sterba's Corydoras is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Sterba's Corydoras.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sterba's Corydoras
How big does Sterba's Corydoras get?
Sterba's Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6.8 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Sterba's Corydoras need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Sterba's Corydoras. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Sterba's Corydoras need?
Sterba's Corydoras thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.6, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Sterba's Corydoras peaceful or aggressive?
Sterba's Corydoras is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Sterba's Corydoras should be kept together?
Sterba's Corydoras is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Sterba's Corydoras have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Sterba's Corydoras benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
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.
Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.
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.
Rosy Barb
Pethia conchonius
A hardy, active, and colorful subtropical schooling fish. Known for the male's striking rosy-red breeding dress, while females are more golden/silver. They are voracious eaters, very active swimmers, and can be fin-nippers if kept in too small a group. Best kept in cooler water compared to tropical species. The Long Finned morph is also popular but requires gentler flow.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
A highly popular, peaceful schooling fish recognizable by its metallic copper/orange body and the distinct black triangular 'porkchop' patch on its hindquarters. Originating from peat swamps and blackwater streams in Southeast Asia, they are active swimmers that thrive in heavily planted aquariums with gentle to moderate water flow.
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.