Sterbai Cory
Corydoras sterbai
Also sold as Sterbai · Sterba's cory · Sterba's corydoras
Synonyms Hoplisoma sterbai · Sterbai corydoras
Sterbai Cory (Corydoras sterbai) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 7 cm (2.8 in) and swims along the bottom in a shoal. It wants 75–82°F (24–28°C) and pH 6–7.5, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 7 cm (2.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 75 L (20 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 2–15 |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Sterbai Cory needs at least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It holds at 75–82°F (24–28°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Dojo Loach.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 84% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 2–15.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Sterbai Cory | Bronze Cory | Peppered Cory | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 7 cm | 7 cm | 7 cm |
| Min tank | 75 L | 75 L | 70 L |
| Group | 6+ | 6+ | 6+ |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) | 70–81°F (21–27°C) | 72–79°F (22–26°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (2) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eatsaquariacentral.com
- What it eatsaquariumbuddies.com