Sterba’s Corydoras, scientifically known as Corydoras sterbai, is a small freshwater catfish that is often found in home aquariums.
It comes from South America, specifically the area around the Guaporé River between Bolivia and Brazil.
They are shoaling fish and like to be with their own kind. So it’s best to keep them in groups of five or more.
Their natural habitat consists of soft, acidic water.
However, they are hardy and can adapt to different water conditions when raised in tanks.
Although hardy, Sterba’s corydoras can’t handle high levels of nitrates. These fish aren’t algae-eaters like some catfish species.
However, they can be quite useful in maintaining a clean tank as they feed on leftover food and debris found at the bottom of the water.
Sterba’s Corydoras Interesting Facts
- Sterba’s corydoras is a freshwater aquarium catfish having attractive markings with white spots on a black background on its head.
- They are found in swift-flowing waters with few plants along smaller rivers, tributaries, and flooded forest pools with soft, acidic waters.
- These fish need to be kept in groups of 5 or more as they are shoaling fish.
- They are not algae eaters but effectively clean the leftover food and detritus from the substrate.
- Sterba’s corydoras grows up to only 2 to 2.6 inches (5.1 to 6.6 cm) maximum size. and found in swift-flowing waters with few plants along smaller rivers, tributaries, and flooded forest pools with soft, acidic waters.
Sterba’s Corydoras Habitat
Sterba’s corydoras are found in South America, specifically in central Brazil and Bolivia. They live in freshwater environments.
Their natural habitats include small rivers, tributaries, and forest pools with soft, acidic water.
The water in these areas usually flows quickly and doesn’t have many plants.
Sterba’s corydoras thrive in a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and a water hardness (dGH) range of 2 to 25.
The preferred water temperature for these fish is between 70°F to 77°F (21°C to 25°C) which is considered tropical.
| Water Temperature: | 70°F to 77°F (21°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 2 to 25 dGH |
Sterba’s Corydoras Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.6 inches (6.6 centimeters)
Sterba’s corydoras are pretty small, only growing to about 2 to 2.6 inches (5.1 to 6.6 cm) long.
This fish stands out due to its white spots on a black background on its head.
Sometimes, people confuse it with another species called Corydoras haraldschultzi, which has a reversed color pattern (black spots on a white background).
There are also albino and black versions of Sterba’s corydoras available.
Sterba’s Corydoras Reproduction
Sterba’s corydoras is believed to have similar breeding behaviors and characteristics as other fish from the Corydoras family.
Sterba’s Corydoras Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Genus: | Corydoras |
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras sterbai |
| Also Known As: | Sterba’s Corydoras |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |