(70) Sterbai Corydoras

The Sterbai Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) is a popular, peaceful, and active bottom-dwelling catfish known for its striking speckled pattern and hardiness. Unlike many corydoras, they tolerate higher temperatures, making them suitable for warmer community aquariums

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a school of at least six fish. They are social creatures and need horizontal space to forage and school.
• Decor: Provide plenty of live plants, driftwood, and rocks for hiding and exploring. They also appreciate subdued lighting, which can be achieved with floating plants.
• Substrate: Use a fine, soft sand substrate to protect their delicate, sensory barbels. Rough or sharp gravel can cause injury or infection.
• Filtration: A good filter with moderate to strong flow is beneficial, but good oxygenation is most important. They can also dart to the surface to gulp air.
• Lid: A lid is recommended as corydoras may jump, especially when stressed. 

• Maintenance: Regular partial water changes (25–30% weekly) are essential to prevent the buildup of nitrates, which are harmful to their barbels. 

• Staple: High-quality sinking pellets, wafers, and flake food that reaches the bottom.
• Supplement: Offer small, protein-rich live or frozen foods regularly, such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
• Feeding frequency: Feed once or twice daily. Feeding some food after the lights are off can help ensure the corys get their share without competition from faster-swimming fish. 

• Temperament: Extremely peaceful and social. They should always be kept in a school of at least six individuals to feel secure and exhibit natural schooling behaviors.
• Tank Mates: Good companions include other non-aggressive, similarly sized community fish such as tetras, rasboras, danios, livebearers, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive bottom-dwellers or large fish that may see them as prey.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live for 5 to 10 years or longer