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Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae
📍 South America
Named for their black-and-white colouration reminiscent of giant pandas, panda corydoras are a popular and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish. They are active during the day and thrive in groups of 6 or more over fine sand substrate.
Care Guide
Diet
Panda corydoras are omnivores that primarily feed on sinking pellets and algae wafers, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp. They are bottom feeders that scavenge for food in the substrate, so high-quality sinking pellets designed for catfish should form the diet staple. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Panda corydoras are active, diurnal bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging through the substrate with their barbels. They are highly social and must be kept in groups of 6 or more to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. These peaceful fish are compatible with most community tank inhabitants and rarely show aggression, though they may occasionally sift substrate vigorously, which can uproot plants.
Breeding
Breeding panda corydoras in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions including cooler water temperatures (18-20°C), frequent large water changes, and high-quality live or frozen foods to condition the breeding pair. Males will chase females in a distinctive T-position spawning behavior, and eggs are typically laid on hard surfaces or plant leaves. Fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, making breeding moderately challenging for most hobbyists.
Tank Mates
Similar water parameters and peaceful temperament; occupy different water zones
Compatible bottom-dweller with identical water requirements and peaceful behavior
Peaceful mid-water dweller; slightly warmer preference but overlaps in range
Peaceful invertebrate that shares bottom zone; may be preyed upon if very small
Peaceful dwarf cichlid with compatible water parameters and non-aggressive behavior
Schooling fish with matching water requirements and peaceful community temperament
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against substrate
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, use ich medication, perform daily 25% water changes; ensure good water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, use antibacterial medication, ensure adequate filtration and avoid sharp tank décor
Barbel Erosion
Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty foraging, behavioral changes
Provide fine sand substrate (not gravel), maintain excellent water quality, ensure proper nutrition; condition may be permanent but fish can adapt
Dropsy
Bloated appearance, pinecone-like scales, lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, use antibacterial treatment; prognosis is poor but early intervention may help
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Tanks keeping this 🐟
Kept by 1 hobbyistCommunity tanks featuring Panda Corydoras.
Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – sinking pellets, wafers, bloodworms
- lifespan
- 10+ years
- max size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- school size
- 6+
- temperament
- Peaceful, schooling
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- temperature
- 68–77°F (20–25°C)
