Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here’s a comprehensive, link-free guide to the Panda Cory Catfish (Corydoras panda) — a peaceful and...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here’s a comprehensive, link-free guide to the Panda Cory Catfish (Corydoras panda) — a peaceful and adorable bottom-dwelling freshwater fish popular in community tanks.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 |
---|---|
Peaceful and social | Requires a group to thrive |
Great for beginners | Sensitive to poor water quality |
Helps clean uneaten food | Needs sinking food — won’t compete well |
Fun to watch and full of personality | Should not be kept with aggressive species |
Trait | Value |
---|---|
Size | 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) |
Lifespan | 5–10 years |
Tank Size | 10+ gallons (for a group) |
Temperature | 72–78°F (22–26°C) |
pH Range | 6.0–7.5 |
Diet | Omnivorous (bottom-feeder) |
Behavior | Peaceful, schooling |
Care Level | Beginner-friendly |
Breeding | Moderate |
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