Latin name

Corydoras sterbai

Other name

Corydoras sterbai

Identification

Compared to other species in the genus, Sterba's Corydoras has a relatively high body. There are rows of bony plates on the sides of the body, forming a real carapace.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal and pectoral fins have sharp spines, and there is also a strong spine on the anterior edge of the adipose fin, which distinguishes Callichthyidae from all other catfishes.

Fish colouring

The head and back are light to dark brown with yellowish spots. Closer to the caudal fin, the sides of the body are brown with yellowish stripes. The belly is white to pink.

Distribution

The species is found in the upper reaches of the Guaporé River in Brazil.

Habitat

Freshwater, bottom dwelling, tropical species. pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 2 - 25. 

Size

Sterba's Corydoras Sterba's Corydoras has a body length of 8 centimetres. 

Behavior

It inhabits small rivers and tributaries and flooded forest pools with mildly acidic water. Habitats are characterised by fast-flowing water and sparse vegetation.

Food and feeding habits

It feeds on small crustaceans, insect larvae and other invertebrates in the vegetation and on the bottom, as well as on detritus of animal and plant origin.

Reproduction

During the spawning season, mating occurs every 5-7 days, resulting in one or two sticky eggs being attached to the underside of water plant leaves. During the spawning season the female produces about 30 eggs. The larvae hatch in about 4 days.

Fishing

It is of potential interest for fishing.

Relationship with a person

These fish are often kept in aquariums because of their attractive colouring.

Interesting facts

In Sterba's Corydoras, the intestines are involved in respiration; the fish suck in air with their mouths and feed it into the intestines, the walls of which are lined with a mass of blood vessels. Here the blood is enriched with oxygen.