Best for
Aquariums where its role fits: bottom cleaner.
S
Fish · Freshwater
Sterbai cory
Corydoras sterbai
Corydoras sterbai is one of the best corydoras for warm Amazonian aquariums. It tolerates higher temperatures than many species in the genus, which is why it is often kept with discus and other warm tropical fish.
As a peaceful bottom fish, it needs a group, fine sand and open areas to explore. It should not be seen as an automatic cleaner: it needs dedicated food.
Difficulty
Beginner
Aggression
5/10
Schooling
Yes
Size
5.00 cm
Minimum volume
40 L
Temperature
22.0-28.0 ºC
Zone
Bottom
Lifespan
5 years
Quick profile scan
fish
Territoriality
Low
Aggression
5/10
Activity
Moderate
Thermal sensitivity
Medium
Bioload
Low
Speed
Moderate
Predation risk
None
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Quick verdict
A practical summary to quickly decide whether it fits your aquarium.
Compatible with
Has positive or conditional references with species such as Angelfish.
Typical risk
Stability depends on temperature, group size, and real compatibility.
Aquarium zone
Where it lives best
Surface
Midwater
Bottom
primary
Quick compatibility
Community signals
Shrimp
Compatible
Snails
Compatible
Slow fish
Compatible
Aggressive fish
Conditional
Small fish
Compatible
Large fish
Compatible
Delicate plants
Conditional
Buying decision
Before buying Sterbai cory
Review these points before adding it to your aquarium. They are practical notes based on its profile, ecological data, and known relationships.
L
Adult volume
Make sure your aquarium is above 40 L before buying it.
G
Minimum group
Do not keep it alone if it needs a group; plan space for the right number of individuals.
Parameters
Water conditions
pH
6.5 - 7.5
GH
5 - 15
KH
3 - 10
Temperature
22.0 - 28.0 ºC
Growth and behavior
Juvenile to adult
Juvenile
As a juvenile it feels safer in a group and usually uses the bottom with coordinated movement. An insufficient group can increase stress and erratic behavior.
Shift
The transition to adulthood usually brings more stable behavior when group size, space and parameters are suitable.
Adult
As an adult it keeps a strong social pattern and is more stable in adequate groups. In balanced communities it usually occupies the bottom without causing major conflict.
Ecological profile
Role and biological pressure
Bottom Cleaner
Bottom Cleaner
Small
Low
Moderate
None
Profile: bottom-dwelling species, with low bioload and primary use of the bottom. It should be kept in a group to show stable behavior and reduce stress. Compatibility mostly depends on stable parameters, adequate space and tank mates with a similar activity level.
Ecological radar
profile
Territoriality
24%
Aggression
50%
Activity
52%
Thermal sensitivity
52%
Bioload
24%
Common mistakes
What to avoid
Keeping it in tanks below the recommended adult volume.
Keeping too few individuals for a social species.
Relations
Compatible with
✓
Angelfish
Compatible
Main risk: Water parameters
Low risk
Pterophyllum scalare + Corydoras sterbai: cohabitation is usually viable if volume, parameters, groups and adult behavior are respected.
B
Bronze cory
Compatible
Main risk: Water parameters
Low risk
Corydoras aeneus + Corydoras sterbai: cohabitation is usually viable if volume, parameters, groups and adult behavior are respected.
D
Discus
Compatible
Main risk: Water parameters
Low risk
Symphysodon aequifasciatus + Corydoras sterbai: cohabitation is usually viable if volume, parameters, groups and adult behavior are respected.
G
German blue ram
Conditional
Main risk: Water parameters
Review conditions
Corydoras sterbai + Mikrogeophagus ramirezi: territoriality, dominance or competition for calm areas of the aquarium may occur.
Essential care
Use fine non-sharp sand, good oxygenation and gentle cover. Keep a proper group. Avoid sharp gravel, dirty substrate and tankmates that prevent bottom feeding.
Daily time
10 min
Related biomes
Breeding
It may breed after water changes and good conditioning. It lays adhesive eggs on glass or plants. Adults may eat eggs, so eggs are separated when breeding is intended.
Oviparous
Easy
Hembras más redondeadas y robustas. Machos más esbeltos y algo más amarillentos.
Alerts and health
- Mantener en grupo
- Espacio para nadar
- Acuario tapado
- Corriente suave a moderada
Common issues
Ich
Podredumbre de aletas
Parásitos externos
Expert notes
Interesting details
01
Es una de las especies más usadas en investigación biomédica
02
Sus rayas permanecen visibles durante toda la vida
03
Es un pez muy activo y gregario
Editorial confidence
Last review: June 2026
Content based on parameters, ecological profiles and manual relationships.
Profile data
Ecological profile
Manual relationships
General aquarium observation
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