Sterba's Corydoras

Sterba's corydoras is a popular armored catfish in the family Callichthyidae, native to the Guapore River basin on the border of Brazil and Bolivia in South America. It has a robust body covered in bony plates, a dark base color densely patterned with white to yellowish spots on the head, and orange-tinted pectoral fins, making it one of the most attractive corydoras. It is a peaceful, social bottom-dweller that must be kept in a group of at least six to feel secure and display natural behavior. A tank with a soft sand substrate, gentle filtration, and shaded areas suits this species and protects its delicate barbels. It is an omnivorous scavenger that accepts sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and other small foods. Hardy and long-lived, it is a favorite community fish and can be bred, with females depositing sticky eggs on surfaces after courtship.