Albino Sterbai Corydora Care Guide – Peaceful Bottom Dwellers with Striking Looks

Introduction: The Perfect Bottom Dweller With a Unique Glow

The Albino Sterbai Corydora (Corydoras sterbai var. albino) is a rare, selectively bred version of the classic Sterbai Cory, known for its snow-white body, bright red eyes, and peaceful nature. These bottom-dwelling catfish are highly social, easy to care for, and ideal for community aquariums of all sizes.

With their unique coloration and quirky personality, Albino Sterbais make for both a functional and visually appealing cleanup crew.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Tank Requirements

🧱 Tank Size

• Minimum group tank: 20 gallons

• Ideal group tank: 30+ gallons (for 6+ Corys)

Albino Sterbais are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 5–6 to prevent stress.

🪨 Aquascape

• Smooth sand substrate is essential (gravel can damage barbels)

• Add driftwood, caves, and live plants for hiding

• Keep open areas for group foraging

These Corys love to rest on broad leaves or dig lightly in the substrate in search of food.

🌊 Filtration & Flow

• Gentle sponge filter or HOB with pre-filter sponge

• Low-to-moderate flow — too much current stresses them

• Use air stones to ensure oxygen-rich water

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💧 Water Parameters

Albino Sterbais are very sensitive to poor water quality. Perform weekly 30–40% water changes and vacuum the substrate often.

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🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Albino Sterbais are bottom-feeding omnivores and need a protein-rich, sinking diet.

✅ Ideal Foods:

• Sinking carnivore pellets

• Frozen bloodworms & blackworms

• Blanched spinach or zucchini

• Sinking wafers & micro pellets

• Live baby brine shrimp (for juveniles or conditioning)

🕒 Feed once or twice daily. Drop food where the Corys can access it without competition from faster midwater species.

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🧠 Behavior & Personality

• Extremely peaceful — great for nano tanks and planted setups

• Active during the day — unlike many nocturnal catfish

• Frequently seen schooling or foraging as a group

• Often “blink” their eyes and wiggle when excited

Their schooling behavior adds natural movement and life to the lower levels of your aquarium.

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👫 Tank Mates

Albino Sterbai Corys work well in virtually all peaceful aquariums.

✅ Best Tank Mates:

• Tetras (Cardinals, Rummynose, Neons)

• Rasboras

• Gouramis

• Guppies & Mollies

• Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma, Rams)

• Shrimp & Snails

❌ Avoid:

• Aggressive cichlids (e.g., Oscars, Jack Dempseys)

• Loaches or fish that compete for bottom space

• Fast, boisterous fish that outcompete for food

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🧬 Growth, Health, and Lifespan

• Max size: ~2.5”

• Lifespan: 5–8 years with good care

• Disease-resistant, but sensitive to medications — always half-dose if treating

• Always quarantine new fish to avoid spreading pathogens

With soft substrate and clean water, their delicate barbels will stay intact and healthy for years.

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🐣 Breeding Albino Sterbais

Albino Sterbai Corys are relatively easy to breed in home aquariums.

Breeding Conditions:

• Raise temperature slightly to 78–80°F

• Offer high-protein foods (live and frozen)

• Mimic rainy season with cool water changes

Females lay eggs on tank glass or plant leaves. Parents may eat eggs, so consider moving eggs to a separate tank for hatching.

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🌟 Educational Insight: Why Albino?

Albino Sterbais are not found in the wild — they're a selectively bred variant. The albino gene removes melanin, giving them their creamy white appearance and red eyes.

Despite the color difference, they retain all the same behaviors and care needs of their wild-type cousins, making them a beautiful and practical option.

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💲 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Our Albino Sterbai Corydoras are:

• Carefully quarantined and parasite-free

• Eating prepared foods and conditioned for community tanks

• Shipped overnight with a Live Arrival Guarantee

• Raised in groups to ensure social behavior and success

With Rob’s Aquatics, you receive healthy, active Corydoras ready to enhance your aquarium.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Albino Sterbai Corydora is a peaceful, hardy, and stunning fish for any freshwater setup. Whether you're building a planted nano tank or a larger community aquarium, these Corys add both function and charm.

Best for:

• Planted tanks

• Peaceful communities

• First-time aquarists

• Breeders and Cory collectors

👉 Order your Albino Sterbai Corydoras today at RobsAquatics.com and bring home the perfect mix of elegance and utility.