Albino Sterbai Cory

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras sterbai (Albino variant)
• Common Names: Albino Sterbai Cory, Albino Sterbai Corydoras
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: South America, particularly in rivers and streams in the upper Rio Guaporé in Brazil and Bolivia. The albino variant is a result of selective breeding.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Albino Sterbai Corydoras can grow up to 2.5 inches (6 cm) in length.
• Coloration: The Albino Sterbai has a pale, creamy white to pinkish body with red or pink eyes due to the lack of pigmentation. This albino form lacks the typical dark and white spots of the standard Sterbai Cory, but the characteristic armored body remains.
• Body Shape: Like other Corydoras, Albino Sterbai has a compact, rounded body with a flat underside, and whisker-like barbels near the mouth that help them forage for food.

Behavior

• Temperament: Albino Sterbai Corys are peaceful, social, and active fish. They are perfect for community aquariums and get along well with other peaceful species.
• Sociability: These are schooling fish and do best when kept in groups of at least 5 to 6 individuals. In larger groups, they are more active and comfortable.
• Activity Level: These fish are most active during the day, though they also exhibit nocturnal behaviors. They are always seen foraging at the bottom of the tank for food.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a group of Albino Sterbai Corys.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C), slightly warmer than most other Corydoras species.
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.6 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Water Hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
• Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel is ideal, as their sensitive barbels can be damaged by sharp or rough substrates.
• Tank Setup:
  • Provide plenty of hiding places such as driftwood, caves, plants, and rocks.
  • Ensure open areas for foraging, as these bottom-dwelling fish enjoy searching for food at the substrate level.
  • Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and moderate filtration, as Corydoras are sensitive to poor water conditions.

Diet

• Feeding: Albino Sterbai Corys are omnivores and have a diet consisting of both plant and animal matter.
  • Sinking pellets or bottom feeder tablets should be provided as their main food source.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms.
  • They also consume algae wafers and leftover food that reaches the tank bottom.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, ensuring the food sinks to the bottom for them to access.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Albino Sterbai Corys are egg layers and are relatively easy to breed in the home aquarium.
  • Breeding conditions: To trigger spawning, slightly lower the water temperature and perform large water changes to simulate the rainy season.
  • Females will lay eggs on flat surfaces, including leaves, glass, or decor. After eggs are laid, it's best to remove the adults to prevent egg predation.
  • The eggs typically hatch within 3 to 5 days, and the fry can be fed infusoria, powdered fry food, or baby brine shrimp once they become free-swimming.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Albino Sterbai Corys are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Tetras
  • Rasboras
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Mollies
  • Small peaceful cichlids (such as Rams)
  • Other bottom dwellers like Plecos or smaller loaches
• Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive species that may harass or outcompete them for food.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Albino Sterbai Corys can live up to 5 to 7 years, and sometimes even longer in well-maintained aquariums.

Health Considerations

• Common Diseases: Like most Corydoras, Albino Sterbai can be prone to diseases such as Ich, fin rot, and bacterial infections if water quality is poor.
• Barbel Health: Their barbels are sensitive to infection, so always ensure a clean, smooth substrate to prevent injury.
• Prevention: Good water quality, regular tank maintenance, and a balanced diet are key to keeping them healthy.

Interesting Facts

1. Warm Water Tolerance: Albino Sterbai Corys can tolerate warmer water temperatures than many other Corydoras species, making them suitable for tropical community tanks.
2. Air Breathers: Like other Corydoras, they can gulp air from the water’s surface due to their modified intestines, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen environments.
3. Armored Fish: Their bodies are covered with bony plates known as scutes, which provide some protection from predators.