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Contents
Overview
The sterbai cory is one of the most striking corydoras. Its body is dark, almost black, covered in white spots that turn into a fine maze of lines on the head, and the leading rays of the pectoral and pelvic fins are a vivid orange that stands out against the sand.
It comes from the Rio Guaporé on the border between Brazil and Bolivia, and nearly all fish in the trade are captive-bred, so it settles into aquarium life easily. Beyond its looks, it is calm, hardy and active by day. Its big advantage is tolerance of warmer water than most corys, which makes it the go-to bottom dweller for discus and German blue ram tanks.
Care and tank setup
A group of six or more needs about a 20-gallon (80-litre) tank with a long, open bottom. Use rounded, fine sand and keep it clean with regular vacuuming, because barbels are easily damaged on dirty or sharp substrates. A cycled tank, filter and heater with soft to moderately hard water are ideal.
- Aquascape: driftwood, catappa leaves and shade-giving plants, with open areas where the group can forage.
- Temperature: comfortable at 75-82 °F (24-28 °C), so it fits warm-water communities.
- Tankmates: discus, angelfish, rams, tetras, rasboras and shrimp. Avoid large, pushy fish.
A typical mistake is buying only two or three. In small groups they turn shy and hide all day; in a larger group they roam the whole tank confidently.
Feeding
A bottom-feeding omnivore, it takes sinking wafers and pellets, ideally with some animal protein. Supplement with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp or tubifex. In discus tanks make sure it gets its share: discus eat slowly but will hog food on the bottom if it is not spread out well.
Breeding
Sterbai corys breed fairly readily in a separate tank. A group conditioned on protein-rich foods often spawns after a slightly cooler water change. The female sticks eggs to the glass or plants, and the parents give no care. The fry are sensitive to water quality early on and grow best over a thin layer of sand.
Compatible tank mates
Species from our database that share water parameters, size and temperament with the Sterbai cory. Calculated from the data in each profile.
Cherry barb Puntius titteya 16 gal (60 L) · 73–81 °F (23–27 °C) 
Tiger barb Puntigrus tetrazona 26 gal (100 L) · 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) 
Betta fish Betta splendens 7 gal (25 L) · 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) 
Guppy Poecilia reticulata 14 gal (54 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Platy Xiphophorus maculatus 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Harlequin rasbora Trigonostigma heteromorpha 16 gal (60 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Ember tetra Hyphessobrycon amandae 11 gal (40 L) · 73–82 °F (23–28 °C) 
Neon tetra Paracheirodon innesi 16 gal (60 L) · 68–79 °F (20–26 °C) 
Swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii 32 gal (120 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Bristlenose pleco Ancistrus sp. 26 gal (100 L) · 72–81 °F (22–27 °C) 
Nerite snail Neritina natalensis 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) 
Horned nerite snail Clithon corona 5 gal (20 L) · 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) Check the compatibility of your whole tank →
What not to keep it with
Popular species you shouldn’t house with the Sterbai cory, and why.
- Oscar: one may eat the other due to size, incompatible temperaments
Recommended equipment
What you need to keep the Sterbai cory healthy, checked against Amazon stock.
Frequently asked questions
How many liters does a Sterbai cory need?
At least about 80 liters for a group of at least 6 fish. More space always helps keep the water stable.
What water temperature does the Sterbai cory need?
Between 24 and 28 °C, with a pH of 6 to 7.5.
What fish can live with the Sterbai cory?
Based on water, size and temperament, it fits with species such as Cherry barb, Tiger barb, Betta fish, Guppy and Platy. Use our compatibility calculator to check your whole tank.
Can the Sterbai cory be kept with shrimp?
Yes: it usually won’t eat adult shrimp, though some shrimplets may get picked off. A tank with plenty of moss gives the babies cover.
