Description:

Albino Sterbai Corydoras (In Store Pickup Only)

Albino Sterbai Corydoras

The Albino Sterbai Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) is a popular and peaceful freshwater catfish known for its attractive coloration and active bottom-dwelling behavior.

Appearance:
While the standard Sterbai Corydoras has a dark body with white spots and orange fins, the “Albino Sterbai” is a less common variant. It’s often described as having a metallic green body with a thick neon yellow stripe, though this description can also apply to Corydoras venezuelanus which is sometimes sold as an Albino Sterbai. True Albino Sterbai would likely lack the typical dark pigmentation, resulting in a pale, often pinkish-white body with red eyes, as is typical for albinism. It’s important to clarify the specific variety when purchasing, as the common “Albino Corydoras” usually refers to Corydoras aeneus.

Size and Lifespan:

Albino Sterbai Corydoras typically grow to about 2.5 to 2.7 inches (6-7 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live for 5 to 10 years, with some reports of them living up to 15-20 years.

Tank Requirements:

Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a school of these fish. Length is more important than height for corydoras, as they are bottom dwellers.

Substrate: They have delicate barbels (whiskers) used for foraging, so a soft, sandy substrate or very fine, smooth gravel is crucial to prevent injury and infection. Avoid jagged or sharp gravel.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 21C 26C

pH: 6.0 7.8

Hardness: 2 to 25 DH (soft to moderately hard)

Pristine water quality is essential. Regular water changes (10% weekly or 25% bi-weekly) are necessary.

Decor: Provide plenty of hiding spots and cover with driftwood, caves, and live plants. They appreciate densely planted areas and open spaces for foraging.

Filtration: A good filtration system with adequate flow is important for maintaining water quality and oxygenation.

Diet: Albino Sterbai Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders. They are not primarily algae eaters and need a varied diet to thrive. Offer them a mix of:

High-quality sinking catfish pellets, wafers, and granules.

Frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Live foods such as blackworms.

Repashy gel foods.

Occasional vegetable matter.
Ensure food reaches the bottom of the tank, especially if you have other fast-eating fish.

Behavior and Compatibility:

Temperament: They are very peaceful community fish.

Schooling: Corydoras are shoaling fish and feel safest and most comfortable in groups. It’s highly recommended to keep them in schools of 6 or more of the same species.

Tank Mates: They are compatible with most other peaceful community fish that won’t eat or attack them. Avoid large, aggressive fish that could view them as prey.

Activity: Unlike many catfish that are nocturnal, Sterbai Corydoras are typically active during the daytime, with peak activity at dawn and dusk. They will often dart to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behavior for corydoras. However, constant gasping at the surface can indicate poor water quality or low oxygen.

Breeding: Albino Sterbai Corydoras are relatively easy to breed in an aquarium.

Sexing: Females are generally larger and plumper than males, especially when conditioned for breeding. Males are typically more streamlined.

Conditioning: Feed them a rich diet of live and frozen foods.

Triggering Spawning: A common method to induce spawning is to perform large water changes (e.g., 25-50%) with cooler water, mimicking the rainy season in their natural habitat. A drop in barometric pressure (often associated with rain) can also encourage spawning.

Spawning Behavior: They will engage in a “T-position” where the female takes the male’s sperm into her mouth and then fertilizes the eggs held in her pelvic fins. The sticky eggs are then deposited on tank surfaces, plants, or decor.

Egg Care: Parents and other fish will eat the eggs, so for higher fry survival, it’s best to remove the eggs to a separate breeding tank or remove the parents after spawning. Methylene blue can be used to prevent fungus on the eggs.

Fry Care: Eggs usually hatch within 2-6 days. Fry will become free-swimming after a few more days and can be fed baby brine shrimp and powdered fry food.