Panda Cory Corydoras

Panda Corydoras

The Panda Cory Catfish (Corydoras panda) is native to Ecuador and Peru and most reputably in the Huanaco region of South America, where it resides in the Rio Amarillae and Rio Aquas, a tributary of the Rio Ucayali and the Rio Pachitea River system. This species inhabits both clear and blackwater streams, flowing over sandy substrates, most of which are filled with meltwater run-off from the snow-capped Andean mountains. The Panda Cory is a very peaceful bottom-feeding schooling fish that is compatible with most popular peaceful community aquarium fish species.

Corydoras thrive in well-oxygenated planted aquariums with plenty of shady areas amongst driftwood and rocks. The presence of mid-swimming fish will help to encourage the Corydoras out more often. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a gap should be left between the water surface and the fish tank hood/lid to allow the Cory to come up to the surface and take air in. It is perfectly normal for a Corydoras to do this many times a day.

Are Panda Corys a shoaling fish?
Panda Corydoras are small catfish which is quite happy on its own but even happier in a group of panda corydoras, and will shoal in numbers. Panda Corys will typically exhibit shoaling or schooling behaviour in groups of six or more, swimming together fluidly upward and down the aquarium. Panda Corys are ideally suited to being bought in higher quantities, because they are often smaller than most common corydoras species.

Do Panda Cory's produce venom?
Some catfish species have adapted to release a mildly toxic venom or mucous when under stress, which has a sole purpose of keeping the catfish from getting eaten. It's little more than a minor irritation to human skin, but this venom can be harmful to other fish when released throughout the aquarium. For this reason, you will want to ensure that your corydoras remain happy and healthy in good quality water, and that any losses are swiftly removed from the aquarium. 

Will Corys clean my tank?
As a small bottom feeder, the panda cory catfish is an extremely efficient cleaner. It will scavenge the leftovers that have sunk to the bottom, cleaning up after messier fish that feed at the surface and midlevel of the tank. However, Corys do not clear algae from aquarium glass and should not be confused with algae-eating species like plecos (suckerfish!)

Features
Approx. supplied size: 1" / 2-3cm (small)
Maximum size: 2.5" / 6cm
Origin: South America
Family: Callichthyidae
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting requirement: Low
Ideal number kept together: 6+

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25°C
Ideal pH: 7.0–8.0
Water flow: low to moderate
Ideal temperature: 22-25°C

Ease of care
Moderate. Panda Corydoras are a peaceful catfish, but do require absolute optimal water conditions to thrive.

Compatibility
Corydoras are compatible with virtually all non-predatory and community fish.

Diet
Feed sinking catfish pellets and algae wafer. Will also happily eat bloodworm and brine shrimp (frozen is fine)

Breeding
Egg layers. Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above. Bred in captivity, breeding is possible at lower temperatures, but eggs can be prone to fungus. Eggs typically hatch within 5 days.

Life Span
Panda Corydoras Cory Catfish can live up to 10 years in perfect conditions.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.