Panda Corydoras: Species Profile

Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Corydoras panda
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: Peru, South America
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling fish
• Tank Level: Bottom dweller
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Breeding Method: Egg layer
• Care Level: Beginner-friendly
• Preferred pH Range: 6.0 to 7.5
• Water Hardness: 2 to 15 dGH
• Temperature Range: 72 to 78°F (22 to 26°C)

Origin and Distribution

The Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda), commonly known as the Panda Catfish, is native to the Ucayali River basin in Peru, South America. They inhabit clear, slow-moving rivers and streams with sandy or muddy substrates, often surrounded by dense vegetation.

Colors and Markings

Panda Corydoras are named for their distinctive black markings reminiscent of a panda bear. They feature a pale pink to white body with three prominent black patches: one covering the eye region, another near the dorsal fin, and a third at the base of the tail. Their ventral fins are typically translucent, while the dorsal and pectoral fins may exhibit a slight pinkish hue.

Tankmates

Due to their peaceful and sociable nature, Panda Corydoras are excellent additions to community aquariums. Compatible tankmates include:

• Small, non-aggressive fish such as tetras, rasboras, and guppies
• Other corydoras species
• Dwarf gouramis
• Small, peaceful invertebrates like shrimp

It’s advisable to avoid housing them with larger, aggressive species that may exhibit territorial behavior or view them as prey.

Care

Panda Corydoras are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Key care considerations include:

• Tank Setup: Provide a well-planted aquarium with open areas for foraging. A soft, sandy substrate is ideal to protect their delicate barbels. Incorporate driftwood and rocks to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable water conditions within the preferred ranges. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to keep ammonia and nitrate levels low.
• Group Size: Keep them in groups of at least six to promote natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Diet and Feeding

As omnivores, Panda Corydoras thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers formulated for bottom feeders.
• Supplements: Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
• Vegetables: Blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach can be offered occasionally.
• Feeding Frequency: Offer food once or twice daily, ensuring they consume all within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Gender Differences

Females are generally larger and have a more rounded abdomen, especially when carrying eggs, while males tend to be more slender.

Breeding

Breeding Panda Corydoras in captivity is achievable with proper conditions:

• Breeding Tank: Set up a separate tank with soft, slightly acidic water and a temperature around 75°F (24°C). Provide fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg deposition.
• Spawning: Condition the breeding pair with high-quality live or frozen foods. The female will deposit eggs on flat surfaces, and the male will fertilize them.
• Post-Spawning: Remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs. Eggs typically hatch within 3 to 5 days.
• Fry Care: Feed the fry infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

Further Research

For more detailed information on Panda Corydoras care, breeding techniques, and tank setups, consider exploring specialized aquarium literature or consulting with experienced aquarists.

FAQ

How long do Panda Corydoras live? With proper care, they can live between 5 to 10 years.

Can Panda Corydoras be kept with shrimp? Yes, they are generally safe to keep with small, peaceful shrimp species.

Do Panda Corydoras require a heater? Maintaining a stable temperature within their preferred range is essential for their health, so a heater may be necessary depending on ambient conditions.