Panda Cory (Panda Cory Catfish)

Panda cory or panda corydoras, a catfish species is indigenous to the Ecuador and Peru regions of South America.  Randolph H. Richards was the first to collect this species in 1968, while Nijssen and Isbrücker named it Corydoras panda in 1971. The large black patch around its eyes, similar to a giant panda, earns the fish its name.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Corydoras panda
Other Names	Panda corydoras, panda catfish
Origin	Ecuador, and Peru regions of South America
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not threatened
Behavioral Characteristics	Peaceful,  and social, perfect to be kept as a community fish
School Size	6 -7
Physical Traits	Small, slender body with a striped and patterned appearance; paired barbels (three sets); sharp barbs below each eye, in fronts of its dorsal fins, and upon its adipose fins
Scales	It has horny plates called scutes throughout its body arranged in two rows instead of scales
Colors	Off-white or pinkish-orange body; prominent black mask around its eyes, going up to the head’s ventral portion, acquiring a triangular wedge;  black band surrounding the caudal peduncle from the dorsal to the ventral part
Size (How big do they get)	Small; 1.5 inches (3.81 cm)
Lifespan	10 – 15 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; Males: Sleek and short; Females: Larger with a rounder underbelly
Probable Diseases	Ich, fin rot, and red blotch disease
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	$ 8 – 10

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Beginners
Tank Size	10 gallons (37.85 liters) for a single panda cory  species

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.0 – 7.0
Temperature	72° – 78°F (22.2 – 25.5°C)
Hardness	2 – 12 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Fast

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Subdued
Substrate Type	Fine gravel, sand, live plants, alongside caves, driftwood, and rocks for hiding
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Clown loach, honey gourami, dwarf gourami, rasboras, guppies, betta, danios, tetras (that are small or medium in size) Incompatible with: Green terror, oscar cichlid, red devil cichlid, tiger barb (due to their nipping tendency) and other aggressive species
Suitable Position in the Tank	Bottom

Feeding

Diet	Live and frozen foods like bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex, alongside dry food such as flakes, and pellets
Frequency	2-3 times a day

Important Things to Know for Fish Keepers

• Your panda cory, if stressed, may breathe heavily, turn white or pale, or swim up and down. The cause for its anxiety could be harassment from other species in the tank or inappropriate water conditions. In case it shows other symptoms like reduced movement and inability to eat, contact a fish vet at the earliest.
• Some owners have mentioned their panda cory’s gills turning pinkish or red, ammonia-nitrate poisoning being one of the main reasons for the same. Under such circumstances, making a controlled water change is of utmost importance. Lessen the fish’s feeding schedule and do not add any new species to the tank unless the nitrate and ammonia levels stabilize. Refer to a fish expert for more assistance.

FAQs