These long-lived catfish are best kept in groups in a large aquarium with a sandy substrate
Overview
Synonyms
Corydoras sterbae
Distribution
Bolivia & Brazil, South America.
Maximum Size
7cm (2.76")
Temperature
22-29°C
Water Parameters
Tank-bred specimens will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 6.0-7.5, dH: up to 18 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above.
Feeding
Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
These widely available armored catfish are ideal for the general community aquarium. Wild-caught specimens, aren't often seen but are best maintained in softwater aquaria. Like all species of Corydoras catfish, these fish must be kept on a soft sand substrate in order to protect the delicate sensory barbel area and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to their shoaling nature. Planted areas and other hiding places should be provided for the times when these busy fish aren't out foraging through the substrate. In a family of fishes that prefer cooler temperatures, this species is one of the most suitable for keeping alongside species such as Discus that require warmth. This fish is similar to the other peach-finned species C. haraldschultzi and C. gossei. C. sterbai have much rounder heads compared to the longer snouted C. haraldschultzi. Also, C. sterbai sports a pattern of white dots on a dark background on the head area, whereas C. haraldschultzi's head area has a pattern of dark spots on a light background. C. gossei is a much darker fish and like haraldschultzi, is likely to be told apart from sterbai by price alone. Prior to becoming a captive-bred staple, wild sterbai could be seen at prices of more than £50 each a couple of decades ago, so far their close cousins have remained far more rare. An albino variety of this species is also available and the two forms can be happily mixed.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.
Breeding
Mature fish (2 males:1 female) can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change and letting the temperature slowly creep back up to around 28 °C. A pair will adopt the classic Corydoras "T position" where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the females" pelvic fins. The semi-adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, decor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs generally take around 5 days to hatch, and after a further 72-96 hours they will become free-swimming and are able to take finely-powdered first foods and newly hatched brineshrimp. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here