Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Sterbai Corydoras

Hoplisoma sterbai (Knaack, 1962); long known as Corydoras sterbai

Also called Sterba's cory, Sterbai cory, Corydoras sterbai (former name)

SpeciesShort profile

From The Rio Guaporé region on the border of Bolivia and Brazil, in small tributaries, creeks, pools and flooded forest. Most aquarium fish are farm-bred in Eastern Europe and Asia.1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length5.1 to 6.8 cm2 1 3

Sizesmall

Standard length; Wikipedia 5.1 to 6.6 cm, Seriously Fish 6.5 cm, FishBase 6.8 cm.

Striking spotted pattern

Very peaceful, sociable shoaler

Comfortable in warmer water than many corys

1 2

Looks how to spot one

Armoured catfish (bony plates, no scales)

A sturdy little armoured catfish with a dark head covered in small white spots and a body patterned with pale spots on a darker background. Albino and darker forms are also bred. Females are rounder and broader than males.1 2

Coloursdark body with pale spotswhite-spotted dark headalbino formblack form1 2

Personality what they are like

Calm, friendly and highly social. A group spends the day sifting the sand together and gets bolder and more active the more of their own kind they have.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active bottom foragers that clean up leftover food rather than algae. Like other corys they rise to gulp air at the surface now and then, so leave the surface open.2 4 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Water: 24 to 28 C per Seriously Fish (FishBase gives 21 to 25 C), pH 6.0 to 7.6, hardness 1 to 15 dGH. Tank-bred fish adapt to a wide range, but clean water with regular partial changes and low nitrate suits them best.1 3 2

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 45 x 30 x 30 cm (about 41 litres) for a small group, with soft sand, some plants or wood for cover and open floor space to forage.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous and easy to feed: a quality sinking pellet or tablet as the staple, plus live or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworm and similar treats.1

Company who they like around

Keep at least five or six together; they are shy alone and confident in a group. They suit other peaceful community fish.1 2

The story where it all began

Knaack described the fish in 1962 and named it after Günther Sterba, a Leipzig zoology professor known for his widely read aquarium handbooks. Wild fish come from the Guaporé region, but today nearly all aquarium stock is commercially bred.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is named after Günther Sterba, an ichthyologist whose aquarium books influenced generations of fishkeepers.2
2
Unlike many corys it is comfortable in warmer water, up to about 28 C.1
3
Its white-spotted dark head is the easiest way to tell it apart from the look-alike Corydoras haraldschultzi.1
4
It is a facultative air-breather that can take gulps of air at the surface.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 15 October 2020)3
Taxonomy: Described by Knaack in 1962; now placed in the resurrected genus Hoplisoma after a 2025 phylogenomic study5
Family: Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sterbai Corydoras. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Sterbai Corydoras?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice daily. Always check the food label and ask your vet for the exact amount that suits your fish.1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Sterbai Corydoras eat, and what should it never eat?

They enjoy a quality sinking pellet or tablet as a staple, plus live or frozen treats like daphnia and bloodworm. What to avoid varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for foods that might harm them.1

How much space does a Sterbai Corydoras need?

A small group does well in a tank at least 45 x 30 x 30 cm (about 41 litres). This gives them room to forage and explore together.1

What temperature, light or water does a Sterbai Corydoras need?

Keep water between 24 and 28°C, pH 6.0 to 7.6, and hardness 1 to 15 dGH. They adapt well, but clean water with low nitrate is best. Light is not specified, but they appreciate some cover from plants or wood.1 3 2

How often should I clean a Sterbai Corydoras's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a 25% water change and glass cleaning every week, plus a filter rinse in old tank water once a month. This keeps their home fresh and healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Sterbai Corydoras live with others?

Absolutely! They are very social and should be kept in groups of at least five or six. They also get along well with other peaceful community fish.1 2

How long does a Sterbai Corydoras live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask a good breeder or your exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Sterbai Corydoras?

Handling is not recommended as it can stress or injure them. If you must move them, use a soft net and ask your vet for the safest method.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Bronze Corydoras

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

Seriously Fish: Corydoras sterbai seriouslyfish.comused for size, care, behaviour, diet, colour
Wikipedia: Corydoras sterbai en.wikipedia.orgused for etymology, history, colours, behaviour
FishBase: Hoplisoma sterbai fishbase.seused for valid name, size, range, environment, IUCN status
Wikipedia: Corydoras en.wikipedia.orgused for air breathing, family
Wikipedia: Hoplisoma en.wikipedia.orgused for genus change

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.