Sterbai Corydora

These widely available armoured 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.