Why is my Sterbai Cory darting to the surface?

This is completely normal behaviour. Corydoras have a modified intestine that allows them to take in atmospheric oxygen. They will occasionally dart to the surface, gulp air, and swim straight back down.

Can I keep Sterbai Corydoras with Discus?

Yes, they are one of the most highly recommended bottom-dwellers for Discus tanks because they comfortably tolerate the elevated temperatures (28-30°C) that Discus require.

Why are my cory's barbels disappearing?

Barbel erosion is caused by either sharp, abrasive substrate (like coarse gravel) wearing them away, or poor water quality causing a bacterial infection. Switching to smooth sand and increasing tank maintenance usually prevents this.

Will Sterbai Corys eat algae in my tank?

No. While they constantly sift through the substrate, they are omnivorous scavengers looking for meaty foods and biofilm, not algae-eaters. You must feed them a dedicated sinking diet.

How many Sterbai Corys should I keep together?

They should be kept in a group of at least six. In smaller numbers, they will become stressed, shy, and inactive, hiding away rather than foraging in the open.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Sterbai Cory

Corydoras sterbai

A highly sought-after and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish, renowned for its striking white spots on a dark body and bright orange fins.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.6
Hardness: 1 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 5 – 6.5 cm
80L (e.g. 80x30cm footprint): 80 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Omnivore (benthic scavenger)
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sand substrate is mandatory to protect sensitive barbels. Add leaf litter and driftwood for cover.

About the Sterbai Cory

The Sterbai Corydoras (*Corydoras sterbai*) is one of the most attractive and popular catfish in the aquarium hobby. Instantly recognisable by its dark, rounded body peppered with pearlescent spots and its vibrant orange pectoral fins, it offers both beauty and utility. As an active bottom-dweller, it spends its days sifting through the substrate for morsels of food, serving as a charming and effective cleanup crew for uneaten foods.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Sterbai Cory against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Sterbai Cory comes from

Native range

Guaporé River basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Bolivia

Habitat

Slow-moving creeks, tributaries, and flooded forest areas with soft sand or mud substrates covered in leaf litter.

Most specimens in the modern aquarium trade are captive-bred.

Similar species

Julii Cory
Corydoras julii
False Julii Cory
Corydoras trilineatus
Harald Schultz's Cory
Corydoras haraldschultzi

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Sterbai Corydoras are one of the few cory species that thrive at the higher temperatures required by Discus, making them ideal bottom-dwelling companions.
Great
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
They share a preference for warm, soft, slightly acidic water and occupy entirely different swimming zones.
Great
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Another warm-water species that remains small enough not to pose a threat to the corydoras, though they may chase them slightly if spawning.
Great
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
They can co-exist peacefully, but both occupy the bottom of the tank and will compete for sinking food. Ensure enough is provided for all.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large cichlids will attempt to swallow corydoras. The cory's stiff pectoral spines can lock in place, often fatally choking the predator.
Not recommended

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