🐟 IDENTITY & ORIGIN

• Scientific Name: Corydoras panda

• Common Names: Panda Cory, Panda Catfish, Panda Corydoras

• Family: Callichthyidae

• Origin: Upper Amazon River basin, particularly in Peru

• Discovery: First described in 1971 by Nijssen & Isbrücker

🎨 APPEARANCE

• Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (3.5 to 5 cm)

• Color: Creamy or pale pink body with black patches — resembling a panda bear

• Markings:

  • Black patch over each eye

  • Black spot at the base of the dorsal fin

  • Black spot at the base of the caudal (tail) fin

• Body Shape: Stocky body with short barbels around the mouth

• Sexual Dimorphism:

  • Females are rounder and larger

  • Males are slimmer and slightly smaller

🏡 TANK REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a group (larger is better)

• Tank Type: Community or species-only

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Hardness: 2–12 dGH

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel (to protect delicate barbels)

• Décor:

  • Live or silk plants

  • Driftwood and hiding caves

  • Open swimming areas near the bottom

• Filtration: Gentle flow, as they prefer calm water

• Lighting: Low to moderate — prefers dimmer environments

• Lid Required: Optional — not known for jumping

🧠 BEHAVIOR & COMPATIBILITY

• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, and social

• Activity Level: Active during the day; loves to forage at the bottom

• Best Tankmates:

  • Peaceful community fish (e.g., Neon Tetras, Rasboras, Guppies, Dwarf Gouramis)

  • Other Corydoras species, small shrimp, and snails

• Schooling: Must be kept in groups of at least 5–6 — they are shoaling fish and thrive in numbers

• Avoid: Aggressive or large fish that may harass or eat them

🍽️ DIET

• Type: Omnivore

• Feeding Zone: Bottom

• Preferred Foods:

  • Sinking pellets and wafers

  • Frozen/live foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

  • Blanched vegetables: zucchini, spinach

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily; remove uneaten food to avoid fouling water

• Note: While they clean leftover food, they cannot live on scraps alone

🥚 BREEDING

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Breeding Behavior:

  • Typically breed after a large water change with cooler water

  • Males chase females; T-position mating posture

  • Females lay eggs (up to 100) on glass, plants, or décor

• Spawning Setup:

  • Separate breeding tank encouraged

  • Add spawning mops or smooth surfaces

  • Lower water temp slightly (stimulates spawning)

• Fry Care:

  • Eggs hatch in 3–5 days

  • Feed fry infusoria, then baby brine shrimp

❤️ HEALTH & CARE

• Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care

• Common Health Issues:

  • Sensitive to poor water quality — prone to fin rot and barbel erosion

  • Ammonia or nitrite spikes can be deadly

• Care Tips:

  • Avoid sharp substrates

  • Ensure adequate oxygenation

  • Perform regular water changes

  • Never use medications with copper — Corys are sensitive to it

✔️ PROS & CONS

📌 QUICK REFERENCE

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.