Sterba's Cory Cat (Corydoras sterbai)

Corydoras sterbai, which is referred to as Sterba's Cory, Sterbai Cory, or Sterba's Corydoras, is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling member of the armoured catfish group. Sterba's Cory is often confused with Corydoras haraldschultzi, which is a different species with a lighter background and darker spots.

Indigenous to the upper Rio Guapore in Brazil, South America, Sterba's Cory prefers a dark, soft-bottom aquarium shared with upper to mid-water dwelling species. A sparse array of plants, tepid clear water with some current, and allowance for plenty of free-swimming space will provide an optimal environment.

During breeding, the male will clamp the barbels of the female during the fertilization process. The female will carry the eggs to their final destination by using a special pouch located under her ventral fins. The eggs are then attached to a plant leaf or other smooth surface. After 3-5 days, the eggs will hatch, and the young can be fed micro-worms or micro-plankton until they are large enough to consume prepared foods.

Sterba's Cory is omnivorous and will require a well balanced diet including dried, flake, frozen, and live foods. Feed a quality flake and pellet food as well as frozen brine and live worms.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1-3/4"

Care details

• Temperature: 70 - 77° F
• dKH: 0 - 15
• Color: Black, Tan and Yellow
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Diet: Omnivore