Description

Here are some key details about Corydoras panda:

• Native Range: Found in the upper Amazon River basin in Peru, particularly in rivers and streams with soft, sandy substrates.
• Size: Panda Corydoras typically grow to about 2 inches (5 cm) in length, making them one of the smaller species of Corydoras.
• Appearance: They have a pale, cream-to-pink body with distinctive black patches around the eyes (resembling a panda’s face), on the dorsal fin, and near the tail (caudal fin). This striking color pattern gives them their name.
• Temperament: They are peaceful, social fish that thrive in groups. It’s best to keep at least six together, as they are schooling fish and display more natural behavior when in a group. They are suitable for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish.
• Diet: Panda Corydoras are omnivores. They feed on a variety of sinking pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. In the wild, they scavenge for food along the riverbed.
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 6.0–7.5 (they prefer slightly acidic to neutral water)
  • Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
  • Hardness: Soft to slightly hard water (2–12 dGH)
• Tank Setup: A well-planted aquarium with soft substrate (such as sand) is ideal for Panda Corydoras. Avoid sharp gravel that could harm their barbels, which they use to search for food. The tank should have hiding places such as caves, plants, and driftwood. They also appreciate moderate water flow and clean, well-oxygenated water.
• Behavior: Panda Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, spending most of their time searching the substrate for food. They are peaceful and can be housed with other small, non-aggressive species like tetras or rasboras. They occasionally gulp air from the surface, a behavior common to Corydoras that allows them to survive in lower-oxygen environments.

Panda Corydoras are hardy, easy to care for, and perfect for community aquariums. Their charming behavior and adorable “panda” markings make them a favorite among aquarists.