Sterbai Corydoras

Corydoras sterbai

Also known as: Sterba's cory, Sterbai cory

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–30°C
• pH: 6–7.5
• Hardness (GH): 36–179 ppm (2–10 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

One of the most popular and beautiful corydoras, dark-bodied with fine cream spots and warm orange pectoral fins, and the standout choice for keepers who need a bottom-dweller that can take the heat. Most corydoras come from cooler streams and struggle in warm tanks, but the sterbai thrives at the high temperatures discus and many soft-water South American fish require, which is exactly why it is the corydoras for those setups. In every other respect it is a classic cory: hardy, sociable, endlessly busy along the substrate, and happiest in a group of six or more on a soft floor. A handsome, easygoing, and unusually heat-tolerant member of the genus, and an easy recommendation wherever a warm-water tank needs a clean-up crew with personality.

Tankmates

A peaceful schooling catfish that must be kept in a group of at least six on soft sand or smooth gravel to protect its barbels, the same as any corydoras. Its distinguishing feature is heat tolerance: where most corydoras suffer above 26C, the sterbai is comfortable at 28 to 30C, which makes it one of the very few corydoras suited to a discus or other warm-water tank, and the usual recommendation for that role. Peaceful toward everything and too small to threaten any tankmate, though it will eat shrimp fry and any eggs it finds. Excellent with warm, soft-water community fish: discus, cardinal and rummynose tetras, german blue rams, and small rasboras.

Compatible with

• Discus
• Cardinal Tetra
• Rummynose Tetra
• German Blue Ram
• Ember Tetra
• Cherry Shrimp
• Otocinclus

Avoid keeping with

• Large Cichlids
• Fin Nippers
• Aggressive Tankmates
• Oscar

Common Problems

• damaged barbels from sharp substrate
• stress in groups smaller than 6
• ich
• being kept too cool when its heat tolerance is its main advantage

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20