Shoal & Stem
Back to Flora & Fauna

No photo yet

Sign in to submit the first photo

FishbeginnerFreshwater

Panda Corydoras

Corydoras panda

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiCallichthyidae

📍 South America

Ask Finn

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.

Size2"
Min Tank15g
School6+
peaceful
Zonebottom

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.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against substrate

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, use ich medication, perform daily 25% water changes; ensure good water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, use antibacterial medication, ensure adequate filtration and avoid sharp tank décor

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty foraging, behavioral changes

Treatment

Provide fine sand substrate (not gravel), maintain excellent water quality, ensure proper nutrition; condition may be permanent but fish can adapt

Dropsy

Symptoms

Bloated appearance, pinecone-like scales, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, use antibacterial treatment; prognosis is poor but early intervention may help

Community Photos

0 photos

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

No photos yet — add a tank with Panda Corydoras to be the first!

Sign in to vote.

Tips from the community 💡

0 tips

Real experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.

Sign in to share your experience.

No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!

Tanks keeping this 🐟

Kept by 1 hobbyist

Community 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)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by1 hobbyists