Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
Also known as: Panda cory, Panda catfish
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 60 litres (16 gallons)
- Lifespan: 5–8 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: bottom
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 6
- Difficulty: beginner
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 20–25°C
- pH: 6–7.5
- Hardness (GH): 36–179 ppm (2–10 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
Among the most popular corydoras in the trade, and deservedly so: small, peaceful, endlessly busy along the substrate, and patterned like its namesake. It prefers cooler water than the bronze corydoras, reflecting its origin in the foothill streams of Peru, so it suits a community kept toward the lower end of tropical temperatures. A little more sensitive than the bronze as a youngster, particularly to nitrate and to the rough handling and sharp gravel that damage barbels, but hardy and long-lived once settled into a mature, clean, soft-substrate tank. As with all corydoras, the single most common mistake is keeping too few; a proper group is when the species comes alive.
Tankmates
A peaceful schooling catfish that must be kept in a group of at least six, ideally eight or more, on soft sand or smooth rounded gravel to protect its delicate barbels. Distinctively marked with a black eye-patch, dorsal fin, and tail on a cream body, hence the name. Prefers slightly cooler water than most corydoras, which makes it a good companion for temperate-leaning community fish but a poor match for warm-water species like discus or german blue rams. Too small to threaten any peaceful tankmate; safe with adult shrimp, though it will eat shrimp fry and any eggs it finds.
Compatible with
- Neon Tetra
- Cardinal Tetra
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Ember Tetra
- Celestial Pearl Danio
- Cherry Shrimp
- Otocinclus
- Honey Gourami
- Betta
- Bolivian Ram
Avoid keeping with
- Large Cichlids
- Fin Nippers
- Aggressive Tankmates
- Three Spot Gourami
Common Problems
- damaged barbels from sharp substrate
- sensitivity to nitrate, especially as juveniles
- stress in groups smaller than 6
- ich
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20