{"product_id":"sterbai-cory-hoplisoma-sterbai","title":"Sterbai Cory - Hoplisoma sterbai","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSterbai Cory – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoplisoma sterbai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSterbai Cory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a peaceful, beautifully patterned cory-type catfish with a dark body, pale spotting and warm orange pectoral fins. Long sold as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorydoras sterbai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this popular bottom-dwelling species is now placed in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoplisoma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and remains one of the best choices for warmer tropical community aquariums. It is especially valued because it tolerates higher temperatures better than many cory-type catfish, making it suitable for carefully planned warm-water setups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sterbai Cory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sterba’s Cory, Sterbai Corydoras, Sterba’s Corydoras, Orange Fin Cory, Corydoras sterbai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoplisoma sterbai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlder \/ Trade Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorydoras sterbai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cory-type Catfish \/ Callichthyid Catfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoplisoma sterbai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to South America, where it is recorded from central Brazil and Bolivia, including the Guaporé region. In the wild, it inhabits tropical freshwater environments and forages along the bottom for small foods among sand, leaf litter, plant matter and natural debris.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, Sterbai Corys should be provided with soft sand or very smooth fine substrate, shaded resting areas, clean water and gentle to moderate flow. They do well in planted aquariums, Amazon-style community tanks and peaceful tropical setups with open areas for foraging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSterbai Corys have an armoured catfish body with a rounded head, downturned mouth and delicate sensory barbels. The body is dark brown to blackish with pale cream or white spotting across the head, body and fins. The pectoral fins are often orange to golden, giving the fish a warmer appearance than many other cory-type catfish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6–7 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Mature females are generally fuller-bodied and broader when viewed from above, while males are usually slimmer and slightly smaller.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an excellent peaceful bottom-dweller for mature tropical community aquariums. Sterbai Corys are particularly useful for warmer aquariums where cooler-water cory species would not be suitable. They suit tanks with soft substrate, stable water quality, calm tank mates and plenty of shaded cover.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are not suitable for sharp gravel, aggressive cichlid tanks, predator aquariums, tiny nano tanks or immature aquariums with unstable water quality. Although they browse the bottom, they should not be sold as simple clean-up fish and must receive a proper sinking diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e90 litres for a small group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a tank length of at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e75 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recommended. Larger aquariums of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e120 litres or more\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are preferred for bigger groups and mixed communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSterbai Corys are social fish and should be kept in a group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat least 5–6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with larger groups preferred where space allows. They are noticeably more confident, active and natural when kept with their own kind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sterbai Corys are more tolerant of warm water than many cory-type catfish, but they still need high oxygen, clean water and stable conditions. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and maintain low nitrate with regular water changes. Avoid sharp substrate, poor oxygenation and sudden water-chemistry changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSterbai Corys are peaceful bottom-dwelling community fish. Suitable tank mates include Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Ember Tetras, peaceful rasboras, dwarf cichlids, angelfish with care, discus in suitable warm conditions, small peaceful plecs, gouramis and other calm tropical community fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping fish, very boisterous bottom feeders and species that require cool water. They should not be kept singly or in pairs, as this reduces confidence and natural behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSterbai Corys are omnivorous bottom feeders and need a varied sinking diet. Offer quality sinking catfish pellets, soft granules, bottom-feeder tablets and small wafers as the staple. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, tubifex and mosquito larvae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey will pick up leftover foods, but they must not be expected to survive on scraps. Make sure food reaches the substrate, especially when they are kept with fast midwater feeders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species spends much of its time foraging over sand, around plants and under shaded areas. In a proper group, Sterbai Corys are active, social and often visible during the day, especially once settled. Like other callichthyid catfish, they may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSterbai Corys are egg-laying fish. Well-conditioned adults may spawn after cool water changes or seasonal changes in maintenance, usually depositing adhesive eggs on glass, plants or décor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse soft sand or very smooth fine gravel to protect the barbels. Keep the substrate clean but not sterile, and provide shaded resting areas with wood, plants or broad leaves. Maintain excellent water quality and avoid using them as a substitute for good aquarium maintenance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is one of the better cory-type catfish for warmer tropical tanks, but warm water carries less oxygen, so good aeration and surface movement are important. Quarantine new fish where possible before adding them to established community aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon \/ Usually captive-bred or farmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, spotting, body colour, fin colour and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43697461035082,"sku":"AG-103297","price":6.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43697461067850,"sku":"AG-103298","price":7.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43697461100618,"sku":"AG-103299","price":7.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/SterbaiCory-Hoplisomasterbai.jpg?v=1781276320","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/sterbai-cory-hoplisoma-sterbai","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}