Panda Corydoras

Panda corydoras (Corydoras panda) are a popular and hardy species of freshwater catfish known for their peaceful nature and unique black-and-white colouration, resembling a panda. They are easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. 

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 - 60 litres is recommended, though larger tanks are better for schools of corydoras.
• Substrate: Use soft, fine sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels, which they use to forage on the bottom.
• Decoration: Provide hiding places with caves, driftwood, and plants. Corydoras loves to explore and rest in shaded areas.
• Plants: Live plants such as Java fern, Anubias, and floating plants create a natural environment and provide additional cover.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Panda Corydoras prefer cooler water, with a temperature range of 20-26°C.
• pH: Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-12 dGH) is ideal.
• Water Flow: Panda Corydoras prefer a gentle water current, so use a filter that doesn’t create too much flow. They also appreciate well-oxygenated water.

Diet

• Primary Food: These fish are bottom feeders, so they should be given sinking foods such as shrimp pellets, sinking wafers, or tablets formulated for catfish.
• Variety: Supplement their diet with high-quality flake food, freeze-dried, or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
• Vegetables: Blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach can occasionally be offered.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day in small amounts that they can consume within a few minutes.

Tankmates

• Compatibility: Panda corydoras are peaceful and social fish, best kept in groups of at least 6. They get along well with other small, non-aggressive fish like tetras, rasboras, guppies, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
• Avoid: Do not keep them with large or aggressive fish that may bully or eat them.

Water Quality & Maintenance

• Filtration: Use a good filtration system to maintain water quality, but ensure it doesn’t create a strong current.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes are crucial. Replace 20-25% of the water weekly to keep the tank clean and maintain stable water parameters.
• Cleaning Substrate: Use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate, as Panda corydoras often sift through it for food.

Behavior

• Social: Panda corydoras are shoaling fish, meaning they are happiest when kept in groups. Keeping them alone can make them stressed or shy, so aim for at least 6 or more to encourage natural behavior.
• Active & Playful: They are active bottom dwellers and can often be seen swimming together, exploring the tank, and foraging for food.
• Peaceful Nature: They rarely exhibit aggression and prefer a peaceful, calm environment.

Breeding

• Spawning Conditions: Panda corydoras can breed in the home aquarium. To encourage breeding, slightly lower the water temperature (22°C) and provide clean, soft water.
• Egg Laying: After a rain simulation (usually achieved by a water change), the female will deposit eggs on flat surfaces like plant leaves or the tank glass. Remove the eggs to a separate tank or provide plenty of hiding spaces to protect them from being eaten.
• Hatching: The eggs hatch in about 3-5 days, and the fry can be fed with finely crushed flake food or specialized fry food.

Health and Disease Prevention

• Sensitive Barbels: Ensure the substrate is smooth and free of sharp objects to avoid injury to their barbels, which are used for sensing and feeding.
• Water Quality: Like all corydoras, Panda corydoras are sensitive to poor water conditions. Keeping the water clean and performing regular maintenance will help prevent common diseases like fin rot or bacterial infections.

By maintaining a clean environment, offering a balanced diet, and keeping them in groups, Panda corydoras will thrive in your aquarium. They are lively, peaceful, and endearing additions to any community tank!