Sterba's Corydoras German Bred ("Corydoras sterbai")

The "Corydoras sterbai", also known as Sterba's Corydoras, is one of the most popular bottom dwellers in the aquarium hobby. With its attractive pattern and peaceful nature, it enriches any suitably decorated tank. These fish are German bred (DNZ) and are already perfectly accustomed to aquarium life.

Origin and Habitat

Originally, this charming catfish comes from South America, where it is native mainly to the river basins of Brazil and Bolivia. There, it predominantly inhabits the margin areas of slow-moving or still waters with a soft, sandy substrate and plenty of hiding spots.

Appearance and Size

A particularly eye-catching feature of Sterba's Corydoras is the striking spotted pattern on its dark body, as well as the bright orange to yellowish pectoral fins. The fish reach a final size of around six to seven centimetres, with females usually being slightly plumper and marginally larger than males.

Aquarium Care

For successful keeping, the aquarium should have a minimum length of 80 cm. As bottom-oriented fish, the catfish strictly require a sandy or very fine, non-sharp substrate. This prevents their delicate barbels from being injured while thoroughly sifting through the substrate. The tank should also be well structured, offering plenty of shelter with plants and driftwood roots.

"Corydoras sterbai" is quite adaptable regarding water parameters. It prefers water temperatures between 24 and 30 °C and tolerates a pH value from 5.5 to 8.5. This makes it an excellent choice for slightly warmer aquariums as well.

Behaviour and Compatibility

Sterba's Corydoras are extremely peaceful and sociable group animals. A group of at least five to six individuals is essential for the fish to display their natural social behaviour and feel secure. They are completely harmless towards other aquarium inhabitants and combine perfectly with peaceful tetras, dwarf cichlids, or other calm species.

Feeding

Feeding these omnivores in the aquarium is straightforward. They readily accept sinking foods such as wafers, special catfish tablets, flakes, and granules. For a varied diet, high-quality frozen food should be offered regularly, which is eagerly taken from the substrate.

Breeding

Breeding in the aquarium is possible under good keeping conditions and proceeds as an adhesive spawner, similar to many corydoras. Cooler water changes and energy-rich feeding act as stimulants. The females attach their eggs to glass panes, plant leaves, or decor objects.