Our Guide To Keeping Sterba's Cory Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Corydoras sterbai
   • Common name: Sterba's Cory
   • Family: Callichthyidae
   • Origin: Upper Rio Guaporé in Brazil
   • Adult length: 6 cm
   • Lifespan: 5 to 8 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Sterba's Corys appreciate a tank with soft substrate and plenty of hiding places like caves, driftwood, and plants.
   • Ensure the tank has smooth decorations to prevent damage to their delicate barbels.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Maintain the water temperature between 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F).
   • They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Avoid strong water currents as Sterba's Corys prefer calmer waters. Opt for a filter with gentle to moderate flow.

5. Diet:

   • Sterba's Corys are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods including sinking pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
   • Feed them sinking foods as they are bottom-dwellers and may not compete well for food at the surface.

6. Tank mates:

   • They are peaceful and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals.
   • Compatible tank mates include other peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and other Corydoras species.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Sterba's Corys are social and active bottom-dwellers, often seen scavenging for food.
   • They are compatible with most peaceful tank mates but avoid keeping them with aggressive or large fish that may intimidate or prey on them.