Panda Cory (Panda Catfish) Care Guide: Look, SIze & All |2024

Panda Cory is great freshwater fish for both beginner and experienced aquarium hobbyists. They are peaceful, easy to care for, and a great addition to any community tank.

Panda Corydoras, or Cories for short, is an armored catfish from South America. They get their name from their unique black and white coloration, which resembles that of a panda bear.

They’re extremely friendly fish and do best when kept in groups of 4 or more. Corys are bottom-dwellers known for their scavenging habits, so they’re great at keeping your aquarium clean.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about caring for Panda Corys, including tips on diet, habitat, and tank mates.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Species Summary

Scientific name:	Corydoras panda
Common names:	Panda Cory, Panda Catfish
Family:	Callichthyidae
Origin:	Peru
Size:	Up to 2 inches
Lifespan:	Up to 10 years
Habitat:	They inhabit small streams with heavy vegetation
Behavior:	They are an active species often seen swimming in groups near the bottom of the aquarium.
Minimum tank size:	10 gallons
Temperature Range:	68°-77°Fahrenheit
pH Range:	6.0-7.0
Water type:	Freshwater
Water hardness:	2-12 dGH
Activity Level:	Moderately active
Sociability:	Peaceful, social fish that do best in groups
Tankmates:	Good tankmates include other small, peaceful fish.
Care level:	Very easy
Temperament:	Peaceful
Breeding:	Easy
Diet:	Omnivorous, but prefer a diet that consists mainly of plant matter
Feeding frequency:	1-2 times a day

The scientific name for Panda Cory is Corydoras panda. They are sometimes also called Panda Catfish or just Corys. These fish originate from South America, specifically Peru.

They get their name from their unique black and white coloration. They are armored catfish with large plates of a bone-like material called scutes covering their bodies.

In the wild, they inhabit small streams with heavy vegetation. They are an active species often seen swimming in groups near the bottom of the aquarium. The Ucayali river system, located in Peru, is where most Panda Corys are found in the wild. The Ucayali river system of Peru is a blackwater environment. This means the water is stained brown or black from decaying leaves and other organic matter.

The Panda Cory is rare in the aquarium trade, but they are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique coloration and easy-to-care-for nature.

The cost of a Panda Cory will vary depending on where you purchase them, but they are generally affordable fish. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 for a single fish. But remember that these fish are best kept in groups, so you will likely spend more if you want to keep a group of them.

Panda Cory Appearance

Panda Corys are black and white fish with large plates of a bone-like material called scutes covering their bodies. They have a round, disk-shaped body with a slightly flattened head. They have two barbels on their chin and four pairs of barbells around their mouth.

Their pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins are all black with white edges. Their caudal fin is black with a white stripe down the center. They have small, black eyes.

They can vary in color depending on their diet and the environment they are kept in. If they are not well-fed or kept in a poor climate, their coloration will be duller.

The difference between males and females can be challenging to determine. But, males are generally smaller than females and have shorter fins. They also tend to be more slender than females.

Also, when viewed above, males have an open vent, while females have a convex vent. The vent is located just behind the anal fin.

Panda Cory Size & Growth Rate

The size of a full-grown Panda Cory is up to 2 inches. But, they will only grow to be this size if they are kept in a suitable environment with plenty of food. If they are not kept in a good environment, or if they do not have enough to eat, they will not reach their full size.

They are slow-growing fish. It will take them several months to reach their full size.

Panda Cory Lifespan

The lifespan of a Panda Cory is ten years. But this is only an estimate. The lifespan of a fish can vary depending on the environment they are kept in and its diet.

However, if they are kept in a good environment and are well-fed, they can live for ten years or longer.

Panda Cory Behavior & Temperament

They are peaceful and social fish that do well in groups. They are bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their time foraging for food. In the wild, they live in areas with plenty of hiding spots, so be sure to provide them with plenty of places to hide in their tank.

They are nocturnal fish, so they are most active at night. During the day, they will often rest in their hiding spots.

They are peaceful fish that get along well with other tank mates. They do best in tanks with other small, peaceful fish. Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish, as they may become stressed or intimidated.

A school of Panda Cories will ensure your fish are happy and healthy. These fish do best in groups, so purchase at least six.

The temperament of your Panda Corys can vary depending on their environment and diet. A well-rounded diet and a peaceful tank mate will help ensure your fish are happy and healthy.

Panda Cory Breeding

They are easy to breed in the home aquarium. They are an egg-laying species that breed in small groups. A group of six Panda Corys is a good number to start with.

To breed them, you must provide plenty of hiding spots and a well-rounded diet. A protein-rich diet will help ensure your fish are healthy and ready to breed.

The female Panda Corys will lay their eggs on the tank floor, plants, or rocks. The male fish will then fertilize the eggs. Once the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch in about two weeks.

The fry (baby fish) will be tiny and vulnerable when they first hatch. They must be fed small live foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. As they grow, you can gradually start to feed them larger foods.

Panda Corydoras are easy to care for and make a great addition to any community tank. You can successfully breed them in your home aquarium with care and patience.

Panda Cory Care

Panda Corys are very easy to care for. They are peaceful fish that do best in groups. They are compatible with most fish and can be kept in a community tank. They are also straightforward to breed.

The only thing you need to be careful of is not overfeeding them. Overfeeding them can lead to obesity and other health problems.

The best way to care for your Panda Cory is to keep them in a group. They are a social species that does best when kept with five or more of their kind. This will help reduce their stress levels and make them happier fish.

You should also provide them with plenty of hiding places. This can be achieved by adding live plants, driftwood, or rocks to the tank.

Panda Corys are a bottom-dwelling species, so they prefer soft, sandy substrates. You can also add a layer of small gravel on top of the sand for them to sift through.

We will discuss everything you need to know about setting up a Panda Cory tank, including the best tank mates, diet, and more.

Panda Cory Tank Size

The minimum tank size for Panda Corys is 10 gallons. But they will do best in a larger tank. A 20-gallon tank is a good size for a group of 5 fish.

If you plan on keeping a group of Panda Corys, you will need to increase the size of your tank accordingly. You must increase the tank size by 2.5 gallons for every additional fish you add. So, if you want to keep a group of 10 fish, you will need a 25-gallon tank.

When setting up your tank, use a filter and cycle the tank before adding your fish.

Panda Cory Water Parameters

Panda Corys are very tolerant of a wide range of water conditions. They can live in both freshwater and brackish water. However, they prefer neutral to slightly alkaline water with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

The water temperature should be between 68° to 77° Fahrenheit. The water hardness should be between 5-15 dH. The specific gravity should be between 1.020-1.025.

To maintain these water conditions, you must do a weekly water change of 20%. You can also use a water conditioner to remove harmful chemicals from the tap water.

Also, clean the tank and change the filter every 4-6 weeks.

Panda Cory Filtration

Panda Corys are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrites. So, it’s essential to have a sound filtration system in place.

A good filter will help to keep the water clean and free of harmful toxins. It will also help to keep the nitrate levels low.

It is also essential to have a sound aeration system in place. This will help keep the water well-oxygenated, which is essential for Panda Corys.

Some recommended filters for Panda Cory tanks are:

• Canister filters
• Hang-on-back filters
• Undergravel filters
• Power filters

The best way to keep your Panda Corys healthy is to do a weekly water change of 20%. This will help to remove any build-up of toxins in the water. You can also use a water conditioner to remove harmful chemicals from the tap water.

Heating

They prefer water that is 68° to 77° Fahrenheit. So, you will need to use a heater to maintain these temperatures.

Some recommended heaters for Panda Cory tanks are:

• Aqueon Pro aquarium heaters
• Eheim Jager aquarium heaters
• Fluval E series aquarium heaters

Plants

Panda Corys are not picky when it comes to plants. They will do well in a tank with live plants or fake plants.

Some recommended plants for Panda Cory tanks are:

• Anubias
• Java fern
• Java moss
• Hornwort

Lighting

They do not need special lighting. However, if you have live plants in your tank, you must provide them with lighting.

Some recommended lights for Panda Cory tanks are:

• Fluorescent lights: These lights are suitable for all tank sizes and can provide good lighting for live plants.
• LED lights: These lights are suitable for all tank sizes and can provide good lighting for live plants. They are also energy-efficient.
• Incandescent lights: These lights are suitable for all tank sizes and can provide good lighting for live plants. However, they are not energy-efficient.

Fertilizers

If you have live plants in your Panda Cory tank, you must provide them with some fertilizer.

Some recommended fertilizers for Panda Cory tanks are:

• The Dr. Earth Super Green Fertilizer
• The Seachem Flourish Comprehensive Supplement
• The API Leaf Zone Plant Food

Co2 Systems

If you have live plants in your Panda Cory tank, you may need to provide them with a Co2 system.

Some recommended Co2 systems for Panda Cory tanks are:

• The Fluval Pressurized CO2 Kit
• The Aqua Vitas Aquarium CO2 System
• The Boyd Chemi-Pure Elite

Water Conditioners

They are sensitive to changes in water quality. So, using a water conditioner to remove any harmful chemicals from the tap water is important.

Some recommended water conditioners for Panda Cory tanks are:

• The Seachem Prime Water Conditioner
• The API Stress Coat Water Conditioner
• The Tetra Aqua Safe Water Conditioner

Substrate

Panda Corys do not need a particular substrate. However, if you have live plants in your tank, you must provide them with some substrate.

Some recommended substrates for Panda Cory tanks are:

• The Eco-Complete Planted Aquarium Substrate
• The Aqua Culture Aquarium Substrate
• The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum

Decorations

They do not need any unique decorations. However, you may want to add some to your tank for aesthetic purposes.

Some recommended decorations for Panda Cory tanks are:

• The Penn Plax Aquarium Decor
• The Marina Decor Mangrove Root
• The Aqua Culture Aquarium Plant

Other Tank Accessories

There are a few other things that you will need for your Panda Cory tank.

Some of the most important are:

• An aquarium hood: Panda Corys need an aquarium hood to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the water. Some recommended hoods for Panda Cory tanks are The Fluval Edge Aquarium Hood, The Marineland LED Aquarium Hood, and The Aqua Culture Steel Aquarium Hood.
• An aquarium thermometer: They need an aquarium thermometer to help you keep the water temperature at the correct level. Some recommended thermometers for Panda Cory tanks are The Tetra AquaSafe Aquarium Thermometer, The Zoo Med Laboratories Aquarium Thermometer, and The Marina Floating Thermometer.
• An air pump: They need an air pump to help them breathe. Some recommended air pumps for Panda Cory tanks are The Tetra Whisper Air Pump, The Zoo Med AquaCool Aquarium Air Pump, and The Marina SlimSip Air Pump.

Water Changes

Panda Corys are sensitive to changes in water quality. So, it is essential to do regular water changes.

The amount of water you need to change will depend on the size of your tank. However, a general rule of thumb is to change 20% of the water weekly.

To change the water, you will need the following:

• A siphon is used to remove the water from your tank.
• A bucket is used to hold the water you remove from your tank.
• A water conditioner removes harmful chemicals from the water.

After you have gathered all of the necessary supplies.

Follow these steps to change the water:

• Siphon the water out of your tank.
• Pour the water into a bucket.
• Add water conditioner to the bucket.
• Pour the conditioned water back into your tank.
• Repeat this process until you have changed the desired amount of water.

Cleaning The Tank

Panda Corys produce a lot of waste. So, it is essential to clean the tank regularly.

The frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of your tank. However, a general rule of thumb is to clean the tank every other week.

To clean the tank, you will need the following:

• A sponge: A sponge is used to scrub the tank’s walls.
• A toothbrush: A toothbrush is used to scrub the decorations in the tank.
• Water conditioner: A water conditioner removes harmful chemicals from the water.

After you have gathered all of the necessary supplies.

Follow these steps to clean the tank:

• Remove all of the fish from the tank.
• Remove all of the decorations from the tank.
• Scrub the walls of the tank with a sponge.
• Scrub the decorations with a toothbrush.
• Rinse the tank’s decorations and walls with clean water.
• Add water conditioner to the tank.
• Replace the decorations and the fish in the tank.

Cleaning The Filter

Panda Corys produce a lot of waste. So, you must clean the filter regularly.

The frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of your tank. However, a general rule is to clean the filter every month.

To clean the filter, you will need the following:

• A sponge: A sponge is used to scrub the filter media.
• Water conditioner: A water conditioner removes harmful chemicals from the water.

After you have gathered all of the necessary supplies.

Follow these steps to clean the filter:

• Remove the filter from the tank.
• Scrub the filter media with a sponge.
• Rinse the filter media with clean water.
• Add water conditioner to the tank.
• Replace the filter in the tank.

Testing The Water

Panda Corys are sensitive to changes in water quality. So, you must test the water regularly.

The frequency of testing will depend on the size of your tank. However, a general rule of thumb is to test the water weekly.

To test the water, you will need the following:

A water testing kit tests the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the water.

After you have gathered all of the necessary supplies.

Follow these steps to test the water:

• Fill a cup with water from your tank.
• Test the water’s levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
• If the levels of any of these chemicals are too high, take steps to correct the problem.

Panda Cory Common Possible Diseases

Panda Corys are susceptible to several diseases.

Some of the most common diseases include:

• Ich: Ich is a parasitic infection that causes white spots to form on the fish. It is most commonly spread through contact with infected fish.

The symptoms of ich include:

• White spots on the body
• Clamped fins
• Scratching on surfaces
• Loss of appetite

If your fish is showing any of these symptoms, you should take steps to treat the infection. The most common treatment for ich is to raise the temperature of the water. This will cause the ich parasites to detach from the fish and die.

• Fin Rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that causes the fins to deteriorate. It is most commonly spread through contact with infected fish.

The symptoms of fin rot include:

• Red or black spots on the fins
• Frayed or ragged fins

If your fish is showing any of these symptoms, you should take steps to treat the infection. The most common treatment for fin rot is to use an antibiotic.

• Hole In The Head: A hole in the head is a parasitic infection that causes holes to form. It is most commonly spread through contact with infected fish.

The symptoms of a hole in the head include:

• Holes in the head
• Scratching on surfaces
• Loss of appetite

If your fish is showing any of these symptoms, you should take steps to treat the infection. The most common treatment for a hole in the head is to use a parasiticide.

• Columnaris: Columnaris is a bacterial infection that causes the skin to deteriorate. It is most commonly spread through contact with infected fish.

The symptoms of columnaris include:

• White patches on the body
• Frayed fins
• Loss of appetite

If your fish is showing any of these symptoms, you should take steps to treat the infection. The most common treatment for columnaris is to use an antibiotic.

Also Read: Easy Methods To Prevent and Remove Detritus Worms

Panda Cory Preventing Diseases

The best way to prevent diseases is to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your fish.

Some of the things you can do to prevent diseases include:

• Regularly clean the tank and change the water.
• Do not overfeed your fish.
• Remove any dead or dying fish from the tank.
• Quarantine new fish before adding them to the tank.
• Regularly test the water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

Panda Cory Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If your fish is sick, you will need to treat the disease.

The most common treatments and medications include:

Aquarium salt

Aquarium salt can be used to treat several diseases. It is most effective at treating parasitic infections such as ich and hole in the head.

To use aquarium salt, follow these steps:

• Add the recommended amount of aquarium salt to the tank.
• Raise the temperature of the water to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Maintain the elevated temperature for three days.
• After three days, slowly lower the temperature back to normal.
• Remove any uneaten food from the tank.

• Aquarium salt can harm plants and should not be used with live plants in your tank.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections such as fin rot and columnaris.

To use antibiotics, follow these steps:

• Add the recommended amount of antibiotics to the tank.
• Maintain the average temperature of the water.
• Remove any uneaten food from the tank.
• After seven days, slowly lower the temperature of the water to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Maintain the elevated temperature for three days.
• After three days, slowly lower the temperature back to normal.

Parasiticides

Parasiticides can treat parasitic infections such as ich and hole in the head.

To use a parasiticide, follow these steps:

• Add the recommended amount of parasiticide to the tank.
• Raise the temperature of the water to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Maintain the elevated temperature for three days.
• After three days, slowly lower the temperature back to normal.
• Remove any uneaten food from the tank.
• Parasiticides can also harm plants and should not be used with live plants in your tank.

Fungicides

Fungicides can treat fungal infections such as cottony growth and columnaris.

To use a fungicide, follow these steps:

• Add the recommended amount of fungicide to the tank.
• Raise the temperature of the water to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Maintain the elevated temperature for three days.
• After three days, slowly lower the temperature back to normal.
• Remove any uneaten food from the tank.

You can purchase these treatments and medications at your local pet store or online. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

How To Choose A Healthy Panda Cory

When choosing a panda cory, it is essential to select a fish that is healthy and free of disease.

Some things to look for include the following:

• Clear eyes
• Smooth and shiny scales
• Fins that are not frayed or torn
• A healthy appetite

If you are unsure about the health of the fish, ask the store employee for help. You also can purchase a health certificate from the store.

Panda Cory Food & Diet

Panda Cories are omnivores and scavengers, meaning they eat just about anything. In the wild, their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and plants.

In captivity, their diet should consist of the following:

• Live food: Live food such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia are good protein sources for your fish.
• Frozen food: Frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia are excellent source of protein for your fish.
• Flake food: Flake food is a good source of vitamins and minerals for your fish.
• Pellets: Pellets are a good source of vitamins and minerals for your fish.

You can purchase live, frozen, and dry food at your local pet store or online. Read the labels carefully to ensure you feed your fish a well-rounded diet.

Panda Cory Diet Foods To Avoid

There are some foods that you should avoid feeding your fish. These foods can cause health problems and should not be a part of their diet.

• Canned food: Canned food is high in salt and can cause health problems for your fish.
• Raw meat: Raw meat can contain bacteria that can make your fish sick.
• Cooked food: Cooked food can contain bacteria that can make your fish sick.
• Moldy or expired food: Moldy or expired food can contain toxins that can harm your fish.

It is important to read the labels on all of the food you purchase to ensure you are not feeding your fish anything that could be harmful.

The Importance Of A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for all pets, and fish are no exception. A healthy diet will help your fish to stay active and vibrant, and it will also help to prevent health problems. Feeding your fish a well-rounded diet will ensure they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

One of the best ways to ensure your fish are getting a healthy diet is to feed them live food. Live food is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients and a great way to keep your fish active. If you cannot feed your fish live food, you can also feed them frozen or freeze-dried foods. These foods are also a good source of protein and nutrients and are much easier to store than live food.

When choosing a food for your fish, read the labels carefully. Avoid any foods high in salt, or that contain artificial colors or flavors. These ingredients can be harmful to your fish and can cause health problems. Choose a food that is high in protein and low in fat, and be sure to feed your fish a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.

Panda Cory Feeding Schedule

How often you feed your fish will depend on their age, size, and activity level. Adult fish should be fed once or twice a day, while juvenile fish should be fed three or four times daily. If your fish are particularly active, you may need to increase their feeding schedule.

Sticking to a regular feeding schedule ensures your fish get the necessary nutrients. Overfeeding can be as harmful as underfeeding, so give your fish the appropriate amount of food. If you are unsure how much to feed your fish, ask your veterinarian or a pet store employee for advice.

Panda Cory Tank Mates

They do great in a community tank with other small fish. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other tank mates.

Some good tank mates for Panda Corydoras include: 

• Loaches
• Rasboras
• Tetras
• Danios
• Gouramis

When choosing tank mates for your Panda Corydoras, it is important to avoid too large or aggressive fish. Large fish may intimidate your Corys and cause them stress. Aggressive fish may also bully your Corys and prevent them from getting the necessary food.

Keeping them together in school will help reduce their stress levels and keep them happy. A school of at least six Panda Corys is ideal.

Panda Cory Fish To Avoid

• Cichlids
• Sharks
• Goldfish
• Betta Fish
• Pufferfish

These fish are too large or aggressive to be kept with Panda Corydoras.

Also Read: Best Betta Fish Food 101: Quantity, Quality, Feeding | 2023

Advantages Of Having Panda Cory In Your Tank

The first advantage is that Cory catfish are peaceful fish. They are known to be non-aggressive and get along well with other tank mates, making them a great addition to any community tank.

Another advantage of having Cory catfish is that they help clean the tank. These fish are natural scavengers and will help to keep the tank free of excess food and waste.

Another advantage is that they are easy to care for. They are hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They can live for several years in the home aquarium with proper care.

Disadvantages Of Having Panda Cory In Your Tank

One of the few disadvantages of Cory catfish is that they are bottom-dwelling fish. They often uproot plants and decorations in the tank to search for food. It is essential to choose plants and decorations securely anchored in the substrate to avoid this problem.

Another disadvantage of Cory catfish is that they are schooling fish. This means they must be kept in groups to stay healthy and happy. A group of at least six Cory catfish is ideal.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to keeping Panda Corydoras in your home aquarium. These are peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish that make a great addition to any community tank. You can successfully breed them in your home aquarium with care and patience.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

Happy fish keeping!