Sterba's corydoras (Corydoras sterbai)

Family: Callichthyidae

A peaceful omnivore callichthyidae from South America (southern Brazil and Bolivia) — beginner-friendly.

Care parameters

Water temperature
21–25 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
2–25 dGH
Adult length
4.8–6.8 cm
Minimum tank
68 L
Water layer
Bottom; rests and forages low; keep 6+
Difficulty
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
南美洲（巴西南部和玻利维亚）

Species overview

Corydoras sterbai is a Callichthyidae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful. Plan on 4.8–6.8 cm of adult fish at 21–25 °C. Related profiles: Corydoras aeneus, Corydoras paleatus, Corydoras panda.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Moderate flow
Dissolved O₂
Average oxygen needs

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep 6+; larger groups settle better
Diet
Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates
  • Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
  • Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
  • Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
  • Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Sterba's corydoras easy to keep?

Beginner-friendly. Peaceful; keep 6+; larger groups settle better.

What temperature and water chemistry does Sterba's corydoras need?

Hold 21–25 °C and keep it stable — 21–25 °C recorded range. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily.

How big does Sterba's corydoras get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 4.8–6.8 cm; it is bottom; rests and forages low; keep 6+. Plan for at least 68 litres.

What does Sterba's corydoras eat?

Omnivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Sterba's corydoras live with other fish?

Peaceful; keep 6+; larger groups settle better. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, Striped Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acheilognathus gracilis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Sterba's corydoras come from?

Its home waters are 南美洲（巴西南部和玻利维亚） — clear streams, rivers and still waters, with moderate flow.

How does Sterba's corydoras breed?

Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.