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Sterbas Panzerwels

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Corydoras sterbai

Auch bekannt als: Sterba's Cory, Sterba's Corydoras

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Beschreibung

Corydoras sterbai, commonly known as Sterba's Corydoras or Sterba's Panzerwels, is a highly sought-after species of freshwater catfish belonging to the family Callichthyidae. It is renowned for its striking coloration and peaceful demeanor, making it a popular choice among aquarists. These small, armored catfish are benthic dwellers, spending most of their time foraging on the substrate.

Körperliche Merkmale

Körperform
rounded
Färbung
The body is dark brown to black, covered with numerous bright white to yellowish-orange spots that form irregular rows. The pectoral fins are a distinctive bright orange, especially noticeable in mature specimens. The ventral side is lighter.
Schuppentyp
none
Maulstellung
inferior
Besondere Merkmale
Bright orange pectoral fins, Numerous white to yellowish-orange spots on a dark body, Three pairs of barbels around the mouth
Rückenflosse
Single dorsal fin, typically with one spine and seven soft rays. The spine can be serrated.
Schwanzflosse
Forked caudal fin.
Brustflosse
Paired pectoral fins, often with a strong, serrated spine and soft rays. These fins are notably orange.
Auffällige Flossen
Adipose fin present, typical for Corydoras species.

Bestimmungstipps

Pectoral Fin Coloration

The most distinguishing feature is the vibrant orange coloration of the pectoral fins, which is particularly intense in healthy, mature individuals. This sets them apart from most other Corydoras species.

Body Spotting Pattern

The body is covered in numerous small, bright white to yellowish-orange spots on a dark background. These spots are generally evenly distributed and can form somewhat irregular horizontal rows.

Barbels

Like all Corydoras, C. sterbai possesses three pairs of sensitive barbels around its mouth, which it uses to sift through substrate for food. These are typically light-colored.

Size

Adults typically reach a maximum standard length of 5.5-6.5 cm (2.2-2.6 inches).

Lebensraum

Wassertyp
freshwater
Tiefe
Benthic, typically found in shallow areas of rivers and tributaries.
Umgebung
Slow-moving clearwater or blackwater rivers and streams with sandy or silty substrates, often with leaf litter and submerged vegetation. They prefer areas with good oxygenation.
Geografische Verbreitung
Native to South America, specifically the Guaporé River basin, which forms part of the border between Bolivia and Brazil. They are found in the states of Rondônia and Mato Grosso in Brazil.

Aquarieninformationen

  • Pflegeaufwand: beginner
  • Temperament: peaceful
  • Ernährung: omnivore
  • Mindestbeckengröße: 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small group
  • Temperatur: 23-28°C (73-82°F)
  • pH-Wert: 6.0-7.5
  • Härte: 2-15 dGH
  • Verträglichkeit: Excellent community fish, compatible with most peaceful, similarly sized fish. Best kept in groups of 6 or more of its own kind.
  • Besondere Anforderungen: Requires a soft, sandy substrate to protect its delicate barbels. Ample hiding places (driftwood, caves, plants) are beneficial. Good water quality and regular water changes are essential. They appreciate a well-planted tank with some open swimming areas.

Informationen zum Wildbestand

  • Erhaltungszustand: least concern
  • Saisonalität: Breeding in the wild is often triggered by changes in water parameters, such as cooler water and increased rainfall, mimicking the rainy season.
  • Marktpreis: Moderate
  • Kommerzielle Bedeutung: medium
  • Geschmack: Not typically consumed
  • Textur: Not typically consumed
  • Nährwert: Not typically consumed

Wichtige Fakten

Armored Catfishbehavior

Like all Corydoras, C. sterbai possesses bony plates (scutes) along its flanks, providing protection against predators, hence the common name 'Panzerwels' (armored catfish).

Intestinal Respirationbehavior

Corydoras sterbai, like other Corydoras, can breathe atmospheric air by swimming to the surface and gulping air, which is then absorbed through its specialized hindgut. This allows them to survive in oxygen-depleted waters.

Social Fishbehavior

These fish are highly social and thrive in groups. Keeping them in insufficient numbers can lead to stress and shyness, impacting their overall health and behavior.

Substrate Siftersbehavior

Their inferior mouth and barbels are perfectly adapted for sifting through soft substrates like sand or fine gravel, searching for small invertebrates and detritus. Coarse substrates can damage their delicate barbels.

Named After a German Ichthyologistinteresting

The species is named in honor of Dr. Günther Sterba, a renowned German ichthyologist and author, who first described the species.

Sicherheitsinformationen

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  • Sicherheitsstufe: caution
  • Giftig: Nein
  • Essbarkeit: not recommended
  • Hinweise zum Umgang: Corydoras species possess sharp, serrated spines in their dorsal and pectoral fins. These spines can become entangled in nets and can inflict a painful, though not venomous, sting if they puncture the skin. Care should be taken when handling to avoid injury to both the fish and the handler. It is best to use a solid container rather than a net for transfer if possible.

Ähnliche Arten

Corydoras haraldschultzi

Corydoras haraldschultzi

Often confused with C. sterbai due to similar spotting. However, C. haraldschultzi typically has larger, more irregularly shaped spots and lacks the distinct bright orange pectoral fins of C. sterbai. The spots on C. haraldschultzi are usually white or cream, not yellowish-orange.

Corydoras duplicareus

Corydoras duplicareus

While not as similar in overall pattern, C. duplicareus has a black stripe along the dorsal fin and a more pronounced black blotch on the upper body, which C. sterbai lacks. Its spots are also generally smaller and less numerous than C. sterbai.

Wissenschaftliche Klassifikation

Reich
Animalia
Stamm
Chordata
Klasse
Actinopterygii
Ordnung
Siluriformes
Familie
Callichthyidae
Gattung
Corydoras
Art
sterbai

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