Panda Cory Catfish

Scientific Name

Corydoras panda

Common Names

• Panda Cory
• Panda Catfish

Physical Appearance

• Size: Reaches up to 2 inches (5 cm) in adulthood.
• Coloration:
  • Creamy or pale white body.
  • Black markings around the eyes (resembling a panda's mask), on the dorsal fin, and at the base of the tail.
• Body Shape: Compact, rounded body with slightly flattened ventral sides and barbels near the mouth.

Lifespan

• 5–10 years with excellent care.

Temperament and Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful, social, and active bottom-dweller.
• Group Dynamics: Highly social; thrives in groups of 5 or more.
• Activity Level: Active during the day but more lively in the early morning and evening.
• Role in Tank: Natural scavengers that help clean the substrate of uneaten food.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group, though 20 gallons or more is preferred for larger groups.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel to protect their delicate barbels.
• Plants and Decorations: Provide live plants, driftwood, and caves for shelter. Open areas for swimming and foraging are essential.
• Filtration: Gentle flow with clean, well-oxygenated water.

Diet

• Type: Omnivorous.
• Food:
  • Sinking pellets or wafers as the main diet.
  • Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia as supplements.
  • Occasionally offer blanched vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach.

Compatibility

• Good Tank Mates:
  • Peaceful community fish (e.g., neon tetras, guppies, rasboras, or other small corydoras).
  • Snails and shrimp.
• Avoid: Aggressive or larger species, such as cichlids or fin-nippers like tiger barbs.

Care Level

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, great for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
• Maintenance:
  • Weekly water changes (20–30%).
  • Keep the substrate clean to prevent infections in their barbels.

Breeding

• Reproduction: Egg layers.
• Setup:
  • A separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and a fine-leaved plant or spawning mop.
  • Feed a protein-rich diet (live or frozen foods) to condition the fish for breeding.
• Process:
  • Males chase females, who deposit eggs on smooth surfaces like leaves, tank walls, or decorations.
  • Remove adults after spawning to protect the eggs.
• Incubation: Eggs hatch in 4–5 days, and fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes.

Interesting Facts

1. Origins: Native to the slow-moving, well-oxygenated waters of Peru, particularly the tributaries of the Amazon River.
2. Social Behavior: Their shoaling nature makes them highly entertaining when kept in groups, as they interact and explore together.
3. Beginner-Friendly: Panda Corys are among the most beginner-friendly corydoras species due to their hardiness and peaceful nature.