Sterba's corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Sterba's cory, Sterbai cory, Sterbai, Hoplisoma sterbai
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
Central Brazil and Bolivia: the Guaporé, Mamoré and Madeira river systems, in smaller rivers, tributaries and flooded forest pools.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
6.8 cm
Temperature
24–28°C
pH
6–7.6
Hardness
Soft to medium-hard, 1–15 dGH
Minimum tank
41 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

Sterba's cory is one of the most attractive and hardy of the commonly sold corys. PlanetCatfish recommends a shoal of at least 6. Since the 2024 revision of the armoured catfishes it is called Hoplisoma sterbai (PlanetCatfish, FishBase and Wikipedia), but it is still sold almost everywhere as "Corydoras sterbai". A tank with a base of 45 × 30 cm (around 41 litres) will hold a small group, though more floor space lets you keep a bigger shoal. Use soft sand, or at least smooth fine gravel, so the fish can sift without damaging their barbels. PlanetCatfish recommends shade from overhanging rockwork, arching bogwood, or tall or floating plants. It likes it warmer than many corys, about 24–28 °C, and PlanetCatfish notes it tolerates higher temperatures, which makes it a good choice for a warm tank with discus or rams. Captive-bred fish are happy at pH 6–7.6 in soft to fairly hard water. Keep nitrate low with regular water changes, avoid salt and use medications (especially copper) with caution. Like other corys it can release a toxin when badly stressed, so do not bag it with lots of other fish. Identification: white spots on a dark head, from the eyes down to the snout. The similar C. haraldschultzi has the reverse head pattern (dark marks on a pale background) and a longer snout. An albino form is also sold. Males are smaller and slimmer; females grow larger and much broader, best seen from above. It is named after the German ichthyologist Günther Sterba. PlanetCatfish adds that the fish in the trade may one day turn out to be an undescribed species, with the true C. sterbai a different fish rarely seen in shops. Most Sterba's corys sold are farmed, mainly in Eastern Europe and the Far East, and are tougher than wild imports. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of 6.8 cm SL (Seriously Fish 6.5 cm). FishBase and PlanetCatfish list it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2020). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=316); Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/corydoras-sterbai/); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Corydoras-sterbai.html); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterba'scorydoras). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivorous and easy to feed; it readily accepts a wide variety of frozen and prepared foods. Give a good sinking pellet or tablet as the staple and add live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp regularly. Make sure food reaches the bottom.

Breeding

Tank-bred fish are among the easiest corys to spawn; PlanetCatfish holds over 50 breeding reports. A tank of about 45 × 30 × 30 cm is enough for a group of about two males to each female. Condition them well on live and frozen foods; ripe females become much broader. Repeated water changes with slightly cooler water usually start spawning. The pair adopts the typical cory "T-position" and the female sticks small batches of eggs on the glass, plants or décor. Move the eggs or the adults afterwards, as eggs may be eaten. Eggs hatch in about 3–5 days. Start the fry on microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp, keep their water very clean with small frequent changes, and use a thin layer of sand in the rearing tank, which seems to reduce disease.

Compatibility and tank mates

Very peaceful and suitable for many community tanks, especially warmer ones. Good companions include small tetras and other small characins, rasboras and other small cyprinids, gouramis, dwarf cichlids such as rams and Apistogramma, discus, and other peaceful catfish. Avoid large or aggressive fish that could bully or eat it.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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