Sterbai corydoras

Overview

The sterbai corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) is a handsome, popular catfish with a dark body covered in fine white spots and warm orange pectoral fins. Its standout feature is heat tolerance: while most corys prefer cooler water, the sterbai happily lives up to around 28 °C, making it the go-to catfish for warm-water setups and discus tanks. It combines that flexibility with the same hardy, peaceful temperament that makes corydoras such easy community fish.

Tank & water

A group of six needs at least 75 litres (20 gallons) of floor space. The sterbai is comfortable across a wide 24–28 °C band, with a heater and gentle filter on stable, well-cycled water.

• Smooth substrate: sand or rounded gravel protects their barbels — see best aquarium sand and gravel and the substrate hub.
• Cover: driftwood, caves and plants provide security.
• Warm-water oxygen: warmer water holds less oxygen, so keep good surface movement and steady maintenance.

Feeding

Sterbai corys are omnivores that forage on the bottom. Provide sinking pellets, wafers and granules — a sinking food that reaches the substrate is key — with frozen bloodworm and daphnia as treats. See our best fish food picks and feed only what they clear. In a warm discus tank the metabolism of every fish runs faster, so feed a little more often but in smaller amounts, and make sure the sterbai are getting their share and not just cleaning up after the fish above them.

Tankmates

Peaceful and heat-tolerant, sterbai corys are ideal for warm communities including discus, rams, tetras and cherry shrimp. They shoal best with their own kind but mix well with other corys such as the bronze or albino in a shared tank. Avoid aggressive or predatory fish.

Frequently asked questions

The sterbai corydoras pairs classic cory charm with rare heat tolerance, making it the natural bottom-dweller for warm-water and discus tanks. Give it a group and smooth substrate and it will thrive for years.