Sterbai Cory (Hoplisoma sterbai) showing pale head spots and orange pectoral fins
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Hoplisoma sterbai (Sterbai Cory)

$15.00

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Overnight shipping via FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air or Southwest Cargo across the United States and Puerto Rico. If your fish doesn’t arrive alive and healthy, we issue store credit — no questions asked.

Hoplisoma sterbai (Sterbai Cory) – a peaceful, spotted cory with orange pectoral fins. Formerly Corydoras sterbai. Best kept in groups of six or more. Sold individually. Live Arrival Guarantee.

200 in stock

SKU: AMZN-FISH-94 Categories: , Brand:

Sterbai Cory (Hoplisoma sterbai) – Spotted Catfish with Orange Fins

The Sterbai Cory, Hoplisoma sterbai, is the peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish long known as Corydoras sterbai. Pale spots on a dark head, patterned flanks and orange pectoral fins make it easy to recognize. The species is native to Bolivia and Brazil, including the Rio Guaporé drainage, and reaches about 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in standard length as an adult. Keep a group of six or more to enjoy its natural social and foraging behavior.

Sterbai Cory Key Features

  • Distinctive Pattern: Light spots on a dark head and rows of contrasting markings along the body.

  • Orange Fins: Orange leading rays on the pectoral fins stand out against the spotted body.

  • Peaceful Temperament: A sociable bottom dweller for community tanks with suitably sized, non-aggressive fish.

  • Group Living: Keep at least six Sterbai Corys together; a shoal is more confident than a lone fish.

  • Warm-Water Cory: A suitable choice for stable freshwater aquariums maintained at 75–82°F (24–28°C).

Sterbai Cory Care Requirements

  • Tank Size: A 20-gallon or larger aquarium is recommended for a group of six, with ample floor space, fine sand and shaded resting places. Keep the substrate clean and leave access to the surface.

  • Water Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C). Maintain stable conditions and good oxygenation.

  • pH Range: 6.0–7.6; soft to moderately hard water, about 1–15 dGH.

  • Diet: Omnivorous. Offer quality sinking pellets or tablets, supplemented with frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm. Do not rely on leftover food from other fish.

  • Tank Mates: Peaceful tetras, rasboras, small dwarf cichlids and other non-aggressive fish that share the same water requirements. Avoid large predatory or aggressive tankmates.

Why Choose Our Sterbai Cory

A settled group of Sterbai Corys brings gentle activity to the lower levels of a community aquarium. At Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC, our Sterbai Cory undergo a rigorous, multi-week quarantine process. They are prophylactically treated for internal and external parasites and are verified to be eating well before they are ever offered for sale. You are receiving premium, stabilized stock.

Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee

We safely ship these Sterbai Corys nationwide from our US-based facility using specialized, insulated packaging. Every order is fully covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Weight 0.3 lbs
Dimensions 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 in

Shipping & Care FAQ

Common questions about ordering, shipping, acclimation, and care. Have a different question? Contact us.

How long does fish shipping take?
All orders ship overnight via FedEx or UPS from our Philadelphia, PA facility. Most US addresses receive their fish within 16-24 hours of dispatch. We ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure fish arrive before weekend transit holds.
What is the Live Arrival Guarantee?
Every overnight shipment from Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC is covered by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If a fish arrives DOA, we provide store credit — photo documentation within 2 hours of delivery is required.
How do I acclimate fish from Amazoniafish.com to my aquarium?
Float the unopened bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature. Then drip acclimate over 45-60 minutes using airline tubing (1-2 drops per second) into a holding container. Net the fish into your tank without adding bag water. Dim lights for the first 24 hours.
How are the fish packaged for overnight shipping?
Fish ship in oxygenated double-bagged plastic bags inside insulated styrofoam boxes with heat or cool packs depending on season. Fishes are bagged with proper water-to-fish ratio. Boxes are clearly marked LIVE FISH on all sides.
Are the fish quarantined before shipping?
All wild-caught and imported fish undergo a multi-week quarantine at our facility. Specimens are prophylactically treated for internal and external parasites and verified to be eating well before being offered for sale. Domestic strains are quarantined for at least 1 week.
What if a fish arrives dead (DOA)?
Take clear photos of the deceased fish in the unopened bag within 2 hours of delivery and email us. We process Live Arrival Guarantee claims same-day — store credit is refunded to your account.
Do you ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or internationally?
We ship throughout the continental United States plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. International destinations are not supported due to live fish import regulations and shipping risks. We comply with Lacey Act and CITES regulations for all sales.
What water parameters should I prepare for my new fish?
Most South American tropical fish (angelfish, discus, apistogramma, tetras, corydoras) thrive in soft, slightly acidic water: pH 6.0-7.0, temperature 78-82°F. Specific parameters are listed in each product description. Wild-caught species benefit from blackwater botanicals (Indian Almond leaves, alder cones).
Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?
Yes — wholesale pricing is available for licensed retailers. Visit our wholesale page for details and bulk pricing on premium tropical fish.

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