Panda Cory Catfish
Panda Cory Catfish
Species: Corydoras panda
Growth Form: Small armored bottom-dwelling catfish
Coloration: Cream-white body with distinct black patches over eyes, dorsal fin, and tail base (panda-like pattern)
Temperament: Peaceful, social schooling fish
Tank Size: 20 gallons+ (larger preferred for groups)
Placement: Bottom zone (substrate level)
Lighting: Low to moderate
Flow: Gentle to moderate, prefers well-oxygenated water
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding: Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp)
Care Level: Easy
Panda Cory Catfish (Corydoras panda)
Availability:
Common in the aquarium trade, widely captive-bred and regularly available year-round.
Common Names:
Panda Cory, Panda Catfish, Panda Corydoras
Identification (with size):
A small armored catfish reaching about 1.8–2.2 inches (4.5–5.5 cm). Easily identified by its pale cream body with distinct black markings over the eyes (like a panda mask), dorsal fin, and tail base. Has the classic Corydoras “whiskers” (barbels) used for scavenging along the substrate.
Behavior & Role:
Peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more (preferably 8–10+). Very active and social, often seen “zipping” across the bottom or resting together in clusters. Excellent cleanup crew, constantly sifting through sand for leftover food.
Compatibility & Caution:
Fully community-safe and very gentle. Avoid aggressive or large fish that may intimidate them. They do best in soft, clean substrates—sharp gravel can damage their barbels. Sensitive to poor water quality and high nitrate levels.
Care Level (Water Parameters):
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate (sensitive to water quality)
- Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
- pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral preferred)
- Hardness: Soft to moderate
- Important Note: Requires stable, well-filtered aquarium with low waste buildup
Diet / Feeding:
Omnivorous bottom feeder requiring a varied sinking diet.
- Staple Foods: Sinking wafers, micro pellets, quality bottom feeder pellets
- Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
- Live Foods (optional): Worms and small live invertebrates
- Feeding Behavior: Actively feeds at the substrate level; best fed after lights dim to reduce competition from mid-water fish
- Tip: Ensure food reaches the bottom—surface feeding fish can outcompete them easily
Tank Mates:
Excellent with peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, guppies, dwarf gouramis, and other Corydoras species. Ideal for planted community aquariums with soft sand substrate.
Fun Fact:
Panda Corys often “blink” by tilting their eyes independently while scavenging—an adaptation that helps them scan for food while keeping their barbels close to the substrate.