Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Panda Corydoras or Cory for short, is native to the tributaries of the upper Amazon in Peru. The genus Corydoras translates to “helmet skin” which is true of these tough, little armored catfish. Corydoras also have spines at the edge of their pectoral fins to deter predators from eating them. Panda corys have an overall beige body with distinct black markings in their face, dorsal fin and just before their tail, resembling the markings of a panda. A popular scavenging catfish for community and planted aquariums, Panda corys are extremely peaceful and reach an adult size of approximately 2″ or less. Corydoras are very social, preferring to be kept in groups of 4 or more individuals. All Panda corys available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced through aquaculture, which makes them much hardier and adaptable than their wild counterparts.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Panda corys are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Panda corys, but they are versatile and can be added to even much larger aquariums. Panda corys should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, unlike some of their relatives. Additionally, Panda corys are a little more sensitive to deteriorating water parameters. The aquarium should be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood for coverage and places to hide, in addition to generous vegetation (artificial or live, but live is preferred). Corydoras require a sandy to fine substrate; too coarse of a substrate could cause injury to their barbels. Corydoras are opportunistic scavengers, making them very beneficial to have to forage for extra food of all kinds that has fallen to the substrate. Given their size and temperament, Panda corys rarely conflict with other fish but can be easily bullied by more semi-aggressive bottom-dwelling species or more aggressive catfish species. Choose tank mates accordingly, but some common compatible options include tetras, rasboras, angelfish, dwarf cichlids, and livebearers. Different species of Corydoras catfish can be mixed with success. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 3-12, pH 6.0-7.0.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 3/4” to 1”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
