Why is my Sterbai Cory darting to the surface?

This is completely normal behaviour. Corydoras have a specialised intestine that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. They dart to the surface for a gulp of air and quickly swim back down.

Can I keep Sterbai Corydoras on gravel?

It is highly recommended to avoid gravel. Corydoras constantly sift through the substrate using their delicate barbels to find food. Sharp or large gravel can erode these barbels, leading to painful infections and starvation. Soft sand is the ideal choice.

Are Sterbai Corys good tank mates for Discus?

Yes, they are widely considered the best bottom dwellers for Discus tanks. Unlike most other corydoras species, Sterbai Corys naturally thrive in the higher water temperatures (28-30°C) that Discus require.

How many Sterbai Corys should I keep together?

They are a highly social, shoaling species and should be kept in a minimum group of six. Larger groups will result in more natural, confident behaviours and a much more impressive display.

Why are my cory's barbels disappearing?

Barbel loss is typically caused by a combination of sharp substrate (like rough gravel) and poor water quality, which leads to bacterial infections. Switching to sand and increasing water changes usually allows the barbels to slowly regrow.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Sterbai Cory

Corydoras sterbai

A striking, warm-water corydoras species instantly recognisable by its bright orange pectoral fins and intricately speckled body, highly prized as a peaceful cleaner for Discus aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 30 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.6
Hardness: 1 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 5 – 6.8 cm
80L for a minimum shoal of six: 80 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sandy substrate with driftwood, leaf litter, and shaded areas provided by plants.

About the Sterbai Cory

The Sterbai Cory is arguably one of the most beautiful and sought-after bottom dwellers in the aquarium trade. Discovered by Dr. Joachim Knaack in 1962, this species stands out due to its striking white-on-black spotted head which transitions into zebra-like stripes along its flanks. Unlike most other corydoras, which prefer cooler waters, the Sterbai thrives in significantly warmer temperatures, making it the premier choice for heated South American biotope tanks.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Sterbai Cory comes from

Native range

Guaporé River basin, Mato Grosso

Countries / regions

Brazil, Bolivia

Habitat

Slow-moving tributaries, pools, and flooded forest floors with dense leaf litter and sandy bottoms.

Primarily found in the upper Rio Guaporé drainage spanning the border region between Brazil and Bolivia.

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.

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Discus
Symphysodon spp.
Sterbai Corys are one of the few bottom dwellers that comfortably tolerate the high temperatures (28-30°C) required by Discus.
Great
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
They share the same preference for warm, slightly acidic water and occupy completely different areas of the water column.
Great
Apistogramma
Apistogramma spp.
Dwarf cichlids are excellent tank mates, but corydoras do not understand territorial boundaries and may wander into the cichlids' breeding space, leading to minor skirmishes.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigoides tetrazona
Fast, boisterous species can occasionally stress the peaceful corydoras and outcompete them for food at feeding time.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Oscars will view small corydoras as food. The cory's defensive pectoral spines can cause them to become lodged in the predator's throat, often killing both fish.
Not recommended

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