| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Min tank | 20 gal (76 L) |
| Adult size | 7 cm |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years |
I still remember the first time a Sterbai cory settled into a tank I had cycled for weeks — within two days it stopped hiding and started behaving like the species actually does. The Corydoras sterbai Sterbai cory is a long-time favourite for a reason, but it has specific needs that generic "community fish" advice misses.
A mistake everyone makes
Adding a Sterbai cory to a brand-new tank is the classic error. An uncycled tank spikes ammonia to 0.3 ppm within days and the fish pays for it. Cycle first, stock lightly, and let the group size build up gradually.
At a glance
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons (76 L) |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24 to 28 °C |
| pH range | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Adult size | 6 to 7 cm |
| Lifespan | 5 to 10 years |
| Group size | a group of 6+ |
Tank setup
Start with at least 20 gallons and a mature, cycled filter — see our 40-Gallon Setup on a Budget guide before you buy. A sand or fine gravel substrate, a few driftwood branches and a carpet or mid-ground plant mass give the fish somewhere to retreat. Keep nitrates under 20 ppm with a weekly 29% water change.
Breeding notes
Breed the Sterbai cory by conditioning a strong pair in the 20-gallon tank on varied live and frozen food, then provide caves, broad leaves, or spawning mops. Start fry on infusoria or powdered feed and maintain spotless water.
Where it comes from
In the wild the Sterbai cory lives in slow, vegetated waters where cover is everywhere and currents stay gentle. Recreating that means planting densely, keeping the filter flow soft, and avoiding bright, open tanks that leave the fish exposed. Stable water matters more than perfect parameters.
Good tank mates
Peaceful, similar-sized neighbours work best. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to swallow the Sterbai cory. A planted community with Substrate Layering Guide with Shrimp in the mix tends to settle quickly.
Feeding
Feed a varied diet: a quality flake or micro-pellet as the base, topped up with frozen or live foods two or three times a week. Offer only what the fish clears in about 2 minutes, once or twice daily. Overfeeding is the single most common cause of water-quality swings.
