Sterbai Cory

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras sterbai
• Common Name: Sterba's Cory, Sterbai Cory
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: Native to the rivers and streams of the Brazilian Pantanal region in South America.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Sterba’s Cory typically grows up to 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm).
• Coloration: Their bodies are dark brown to black with distinctive white or light orange spots running along their head and body. Their fins, especially the pectoral fins, may have a bright orange or yellowish tint, making them stand out in the aquarium.
• Body Shape: Like all Corydoras, they have a stout, armored body and whisker-like barbels near their mouths that they use to search for food.

Behavior

• Temperament: Sterba’s Cory is a very peaceful and social species that thrives in groups. They are best kept in schools of 6 or more. When kept alone, they may become shy and stressed.
• Activity: These fish are bottom dwellers but are known for their constant scavenging behavior. They will spend most of their time foraging for food on the tank floor, but they occasionally swim to the surface for air due to their ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Sterba’s Corydoras. A larger tank allows more room for them to form larger schools and to swim freely.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH: 6.0 to 7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2 to 15 dGH)
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal, as these catfish love to dig around for food, and harder substrates can damage their sensitive barbels.
• Tank Setup:
  • Provide plenty of hiding spots with live plants, driftwood, or rocks.
  • Sterba’s Cory appreciates dimmer lighting or areas of the tank with shaded spots, which mimic their natural environment.
  • Keep the water well-oxygenated and maintain a gentle current in the tank to simulate their natural riverine habitat.

Diet

• Omnivorous: Sterba’s Corydoras are scavengers that eat a variety of foods, but they still need a balanced diet. They will readily accept:
  • Sinking pellets or wafers for bottom feeders.
  • Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
  • Vegetable-based foods like algae wafers are a great addition to their diet.
• Feeding Tip: Make sure food reaches the bottom of the tank, as these fish will not compete with mid-water or surface feeders.

Breeding

• Spawning Behavior: Sterba’s Corydoras are relatively easy to breed in captivity under the right conditions.
  • Spawning Setup: A separate breeding tank is recommended with slightly cooler water than their usual habitat (around 72°F or 22°C).
  • Courtship: Males will chase females, and after mating, the female will deposit adhesive eggs on various surfaces in the tank, such as plants, glass, or rocks.
  • Egg Development: The eggs hatch within 3 to 5 days, and the fry can be fed with infusoria, baby brine shrimp, or finely crushed flakes.
  • Parental Care: Corydoras do not provide parental care, so the eggs should be removed to prevent adults from eating them.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Sterba’s Corydoras are extremely peaceful and make excellent community tank members. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Small, peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, guppies, or dwarf cichlids.
  • Other bottom dwellers, such as loaches or plecos.
  • Avoid large or aggressive fish that may harass or prey on them.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: Sterba’s Corydoras can live for 5 to 10 years with proper care and a clean environment.

Interesting Facts

1. Barbel Sensitivity: Their barbels are highly sensitive and are used to detect food in the substrate. Keeping a clean, soft substrate is essential to prevent barbel infections or damage.
2. Armored Catfish: Like other Corydoras, Sterba’s Cory has a series of bony plates running along its body that act as armor, protecting them from predators in the wild.
3. Surface Breathers: They have a modified gut that allows them to gulp air from the surface, which they use to extract oxygen when needed. This is a behavior seen when water oxygen levels are low, though it’s natural for them to do so occasionally even in well-oxygenated tanks.

Health Considerations

• Barbel Erosion: This can occur if the substrate is too rough or if the tank is not clean. Ensure the substrate is fine and soft, and perform regular water changes.
• Water Quality: Sterba’s Corydoras are sensitive to poor water conditions, so maintaining stable parameters is crucial for their long-term health.
• Common Diseases: They are susceptible to typical freshwater diseases like Ich or fin rot, especially in poorly maintained aquariums. Regular water changes and a clean environment can help prevent these issues.