Description

🐟 Panda Cory (Corydoras panda)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Corydoras panda

• Family: Callichthyidae

• Origin: Peru & Ecuador (Amazon tributaries)

• Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6 cm)

• Lifespan: 5 – 7 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 200 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F)

• Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Peaceful and schooling fish.

• White/cream body with black patches near eyes and tail (like a panda 🐼).

• Active bottom dwellers but gentle.

• Very social – do best in groups.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous (bottom feeder)

• Diet: Sinking pellets, algae wafers, bloodworms, brine shrimp, blanched veggies.

• Feeding: Once or twice daily, ensure food reaches the bottom.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a group.

• Filtration: Gentle – they prefer calm water flow.

• Substrate: Soft sand (to protect barbels). Avoid sharp gravel.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, hiding spots.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: At least 6 (they are shoaling fish).

• Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, guppies, dwarf cichlids, other corys.

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in groups for comfort.

• Provide soft substrate (sand).

• Maintain clean, stable water.

• Use gentle filtration.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep alone – they get stressed.

• Don’t use rough gravel (damages whiskers).

• Don’t add with aggressive tank mates.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Great for community tanks.

• Very peaceful and easy to care for.

• Cute “panda” markings make them a favorite among hobbyists.