Sterbai Cory - Hoplisoma sterbai

Sterbai Cory (Hoplisoma sterbai)

The Sterbai Cory is one of the most popular and attractive Cory-type catfish, loved for its dark body covered in bright pale spotting, orange-tinted pectoral fins and peaceful bottom-dwelling behaviour. Also known as Sterba’s Cory, this species is a fantastic choice for mature community aquariums, especially warmer setups where some other Cory-type catfish may not be as suitable. It is social, active and best kept in groups on soft sand, where it can naturally forage without damaging its delicate barbels.

Common Name:
Sterbai Cory. Also commonly referred to as Sterba’s Cory, Sterbai Corydoras, Sterba’s Corydoras, Orange-Finned Cory or Sterbai Catfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Hoplisoma sterbai
Still widely referenced in the aquarium trade as Corydoras sterbai.

Maximum Size:
Around 6–7 cm in captivity, with females usually becoming slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to South America, particularly central Brazil and Bolivia, including the Guaporé River region. In the wild, it is found in smaller rivers, tributaries and flooded forest pools with soft, acidic water. These habitats can include swift-flowing, well-oxygenated areas with relatively few aquatic plants.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water, with softer water preferred

Temperament:
Very peaceful and suitable for calm community aquariums. It should not be kept with aggressive, boisterous or predatory fish that may stress it, outcompete it or damage its fins and barbels.

Diet:
Omnivorous bottom feeder. It should be offered a varied diet including quality sinking catfish pellets, fine granules, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and other small frozen or live foods. It will search the substrate for food, but should not be expected to survive only on leftovers.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 80 litres for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred for bigger shoals or mixed community setups.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is a social bottom-dweller that should be kept in a group of at least 6, ideally 8 or more. In good numbers, Sterbai Corys become more confident, active and natural in behaviour. They spend much of their time exploring the substrate, resting together and searching for food. Soft sand is strongly recommended, as rough gravel can damage their barbels and reduce natural foraging behaviour.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
This species is peaceful and works well with other calm freshwater fish that enjoy similar warm, soft-to-moderately-hard water conditions. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, angelfish in suitable larger aquariums, Otocinclus, small plecos and other non-aggressive community species. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predators, fin nippers and rough bottom-dwellers.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature aquarium with soft sand, clean water, good oxygenation and regular maintenance. Sterbai Corys are often a better option than many cooler-water Cory-type catfish for warmer community aquariums, including discus-style setups, provided water quality is excellent. Avoid sharp substrates, dirty gravel and unstable water conditions, as Cory-type catfish are sensitive to barbel damage and poor water quality.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade, with captive-bred specimens regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.