Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Here's a clean summary of all the important details about the Sterba’s Cory Catfish (Corydoras sterbai):

🐟 Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras sterbai

• Common Names: Sterba’s Cory, Sterbai Cory, Sterbai Catfish

• Origin: Native to the Guaporé River region in Brazil and Bolivia

• Family: Callichthyidae (armored catfish)

• Described: 1962

• Popularity: One of the most loved Corydoras species due to its striking appearance and peaceful nature.

🎨 Appearance

• Size: 2–2.6 inches (5–6.5 cm); some may reach up to 3 inches in large tanks.

• Body Color: Dark body with bright white spots.

• Head: White spots on a dark background (unlike similar species).

• Fins: Bright orange pectoral fins with some striping.

• Sex Differences:

  • Females are slightly larger and rounder, especially when viewed from above.

  • Males are more slender.

🏡 Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small group. Preferably 25+ gallons.

• Social Structure: Must be kept in groups of 5–6 or more.

• Substrate: Soft sand or smooth fine gravel to prevent barbel injury.

• Décor: Driftwood, caves, live or silk plants, shaded hiding areas.

• Lighting: Moderate to low; they prefer dim or shaded environments.

• Filtration: Gentle to moderate current with good oxygenation.

• Lid: Recommended — while rare, they may dart upward if startled.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.6 (ideal: 6.5–7.5)

• Water Hardness: 1–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)

• Water Quality: Very sensitive to ammonia and nitrite. Perform regular water changes (20–30% weekly).

• Oxygenation: Good surface agitation and oxygen levels preferred.

🍽️ Diet

• Diet Type: Omnivorous bottom-feeder

• Primary Food:

  • Sinking pellets and wafers (especially ones formulated for catfish or bottom dwellers)

• Supplementary Foods:

  • Live or frozen: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Vegetables: blanched zucchini, spinach, or peas (occasionally)

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day in small amounts

• Note: They should not be relied on as scavengers only — they need dedicated feeding.

🤝 Behavior & Tankmates

• Temperament: Very peaceful, non-aggressive, shy without a group

• Activity: Active mostly at dawn/dusk or in dim light

• Best Tankmates:

  • Small peaceful species: tetras, rasboras, guppies, mollies, dwarf gouramis, platies

  • Other Corydoras species

  • Shrimp and snails (they usually don’t bother them)

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or large fish

  • Fin-nippers like tiger barbs

  • Large bottom dwellers that compete for territory (e.g., big plecos)

🥚 Breeding

• Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

• Breeding Tank Setup:

  • Bare-bottom or sand tank

  • Sponge filter, hiding spots, slightly cooler water

• Spawning Behavior:

  • T-position mating

  • Females lay eggs on glass, plants, or decorations

• Spawning Trigger:

  • Frequent cool water changes and protein-rich diet

• Egg/Fry Care:

  • Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg eating

  • Eggs hatch in ~3–5 days

  • Feed fry: infusoria → powdered fry food → baby brine shrimp

❤️ Lifespan & Health

• Lifespan: 5–10 years (some live up to 15 with excellent care)

• Health Tips:

  • Sensitive to poor water quality and nitrates

  • Keep substrate clean to avoid barbel infections

  • Avoid rough substrate (can cause injury and secondary infections)

  • Quarantine new fish to prevent introducing diseases

• Diseases to Watch For:

  • Fin rot

  • Ich

  • Bacterial infections (especially near the barbels)

✅ Pros & Cons

📌 Quick Facts Summary