Cory Catfish is a very popular freshwater aquarium fish. They are very peaceful and can get along with most other fish. Cory Catfish are also very easy to care for which makes them a great choice for novice fish keepers. Even though there are many different species of Cory Catfish, the panda cory is one of the most beautiful among them.
Panda Corys are a very popular variety of Cory Catfish. They are named for their black and white coloration which resembles that of a Panda Bear. Panda Corys are peaceful and can get along with most other fish. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about caring for Panda Cory Catfish.
Panda Cory Origin
The Panda Cory is a tiny freshwater fish of the genus Corydoras, family Callichthyidae, and is native to South America's riverine fauna. It can be found in Peru and Ecuador, notably in the Huanaco region, where it lives in the Rio Aquas, the Rio Amarilla tributary of the Rio Pachitea.
Panda Cory Catfish Size
Panda Corys are a small species of Cory Catfish. They only grow to be about 2 inches in length.
Panda Cory Catfish Lifespan
The lifespan of a Panda Cory Catfish is around 5-10 years. However, there are some reports of them living up to 15 years in captivity.
Panda Cory Catfish Appearance
The underbellies of the Panda Cory eggs are a light color, possibly white or off-white, and have a subtle green iridescence when viewed in certain lighting. The body and fins are similar in ground tone, with the exception of a black blotch that covers almost the entire fin surface on the dorsal fin.
A black band encircles the caudal peduncle from dorsally to ventrally on both sides. A small fin spine and the adipose fin, which is supported by a tiny fin spine, can sometimes be black in appearance. The head is dark brownish-gray in color with a black mask that extends vertically from the fontanel and over each eye, descending gradually towards the ventral surface of the head.
When the fish is at rest, its pectoral fins are usually horizontal and extended in a way similar to the wings of an aircraft. The pelvic fins are positioned on the ventral side of the fish, some distance behind the pectoral fins. The first ray of the dorsal fin originates from the body at about its highest point, and a vertical line drawn below this point meets the pelvic fin attachment site.
The anal fin is situated far to the rear of the ventral surface of the body, with the first fin ray's attachment point being somewhat ahead of where the black caudal peduncle banding terminates.
Like all other Callichthyidae members, the body is covered not with scales but with bony plates known as scutes. The lines of division between scutes can be seen on careful examination of this and most other Callichthyid fish, and in the case of certain individuals, additional black pigment emphasizes them.
The Corydoras catfish has three pairs of barbels, one pair of maxillary barbels, and two pairs of rictal barbels, as is typical among Corydoras species.
Differences Between Males and Females
The female is bigger and has a more rounded stomach. Females are fatter than males, as you can see from above. Male bodies are smoother and shorter, too.
Panda Cory Catfish Behavior
Panda cory is a peaceful species that like being with its own kind. They should always be kept in groups of six or more, but if space is limited, keep at least four. Panda cory is an extremely sociable fish that frequently accompany other bottom-dwelling species, such as clown loaches.
They will spend most of their time swimming in the middle and lower levels of the aquarium. Corys are also known as "armored catfish" because their bodies are covered with bony plates, rather than scales.
Panda corydoras are also called nocturnal fish, as they will be most active at night. During the day, they like to rest on the bottom of the tank or hide among plants and another décor.
Panda Cory Catfish Tank Setup
Setting up a home for your Panda Cory Catfish is not difficult, as they are not fussy fish. They prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate. Below are some more specific guidelines to help you create the perfect environment for your Panda Cory Catfish:
Tank Size
The minimum suggested aquarium size for keeping Panda Corys is 20 gallons. If you plan on keeping a group of six or more fish, a 30-gallon tank would be a better option. This is because Corydoras are a social species that prefer to live in groups.
Water Parameters
Panda Cory Catfish are very adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions. However, they prefer water that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and a water temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to keep the water well-oxygenated, as Panda Corys are a species of fish that require a lot of oxygen. Water hardness of 5-19 dGH is also ideal.
Substrate
Panda corydoras prefer a soft, sandy substrate in their aquarium. This is because they are bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their time near the bottom of the tank. A soft substrate will also help keep their barbels from getting damaged.
Plants and Décor
Decorating your Panda Cory Catfish tank is relatively easy, as they are not a fussy species. They prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places just like their natural habitat. Driftwood, rocks, and caves make good hiding places for Corys. live plants are also a good addition to their tank, as they provide shelter and help keep the water quality high.
Some of the best plants for a Corydoras tank include:
These plants are all hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
Filter
There are many benefits to using a filter in your Corydoras tank. Filters help keep the water clean and well-oxygenated, which is important for Panda Corys. They also help to circulate the water, which is necessary for keeping the temperature stable.
When choosing a filter for your Corydoras tank, it is important to choose one that is designed for an aquarium of the same size as your tank. It is also important to choose a filter with a high flow rate, as Panda Corys require well-oxygenated water. A canister filter or an air-powered sponge filter would be a good choice for a Corydoras tank as they will help keep the oxygen level consistent.
Panda Cory Catfish Tankmates
Panda Cory Catfish are a peaceful species that does well with other peaceful fish. However, when choosing tankmates for your Panda Corys, it is important to choose fish that are the same size or larger. This is because Corydoras are a peaceful species that can be easily outcompeted for food by larger fish. It is also important to choose fish that have similar water requirements to Panda Corys.
Some of the best suitable tank mates include:
These are all peaceful fish that have similar water requirements to Panda Corys. They are also all small enough to not outcompete them for food.
Do not keep them with aggressive fish or fish that are much larger than them, as they will be bullied and outcompeted for food in the community aquariums.
Panda Cory Catfish Diet
Panda Corys are omnivorous and will eat a wide variety of food. In the wild, their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In the aquarium, they can be fed a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live foods, and frozen food.
It is important to feed your Panda Cory Catfish a variety of food to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. A diet that consists mainly of pellets or flakes can cause malnutrition and health problems.
Below are some of the best food options for Panda Cory Catfish:
- Bloodworms
Brine shrimp
Daphnia
Krill
Tubifex Worms
Vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, and broccoli
Algae wafers
Cory Catfish pellets
Panda Corys should be fed 2-3 times a day. A good rule of thumb is to feed them an amount that they can consume in 2 minutes or less. Make sure you are not overfeeding them as this can lead to health problems such as obesity. Also, remove the excess food from the tank so that it does not decompose and pollute the water.
Panda Cory Catfish Diseases
Panda catfish are generally a hardy fish species. However, like all other animals, they are susceptible to diseases. Some of the most common diseases that Panda Corys can get include:
Symptoms of Disease in Panda Cory Catfish
There are a few things you can look for to determine if your Panda Cory is sick. Some of the most common symptoms include:
If you notice any of these symptoms in your fish, it is important to quarantine them and observe them closely. If the symptoms persist, it is best to take them to a fish store for further treatment.
How to Prevent Disease in Panda Cory Catfish
There are a few things you can do to prevent disease in your Panda Corys. Some of the most important things to do include:
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent disease in your Panda Cory Catfish.
Panda Cory Catfish Breeding
Breeding Panda Cory Catfish can be a bit tricky since they are very picky about their mates and the water conditions in their tank. But if you follow the instructions below, you should have no problem breeding them.
Selecting Mates: To pair Corydoras panda, choose a group of juveniles and raise them together. Panda cats are naturally sociable animals, so at least 4-6 individuals are suggested. This will also increase your chances of obtaining at least one of each gender. You might even obtain several males if you're lucky. A group with multiple males is more likely to result in spawning.
Breeding Tank: The spawning tank for Corydoras panda should be at least 10 gallons in size and heavily planted. The plants not only provide cover for the fry but also help to keep the water quality high. A layer of fine gravel or sand should cover the bottom of the tank.
Water Conditions: The pH should be around neutral, although Corydoras panda can tolerate a wide range of pH from 6.0 to 8.0. The DH range for this species is dH 2-25, however, if you wish them to spawn, keep it below dH 10. A temperature considerably above the acceptable range (20 – 25°C) is undesirable. Make sure to keep the temperature at 24-25°C.
Conditioning and Triggering: Corydoras pandas are visual spawners, so the female will need to see the male in order to be triggered to lay her eggs. The easiest way to do this is by keeping a group of 4-6 juveniles together and letting them mature. Once they have reached adulthood, you can start to condition them for spawning. To do this, feed them live foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. You should also perform regular water changes of at least 50%. After a few weeks of conditioning, you should start to see the fish spawning.
Spawning Process: The spawning process of the Corydoras panda is very similar to that of other Corydoras species. The males will follow the fertile female around and circle her when she is spawning. The eggs are no larger than 1.5 millimeters in diameter and can be deposited on as well as within plants, spawning mops, and aquariums. Corydoras pandas generate much smaller quantities than other catfish species.
Panda Cory Catfish Fry: You may either keep the eggs with the parents or remove them from the adult fish. Methylene blue can be used to prevent fungus if you raise the kids away from the parents. If the water temperature is around 25°C, the eggs will hatch after 4-5 days. The fry is no bigger than 6 mm at this stage and seeks out a safe location to hide until it grows larger. It might take a few weeks for them to feel comfortable enough to swim freely in an aquarium without any adult fish. At two weeks of age, you will notice hints of the adorable panda pattern. They will be over 1 cm long and considerably thicker than when they were born at four weeks old. At two months old, Corydoras panda fry is usually at least 2cm long.
Panda Cory Fry Food: The fry of Corydoras panda can be fed live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. You can also give them finely chopped meat, bloodworms, or tubifex worms. As they grow larger, you can start to feed them pellets designed for bottom-dwelling fish. Be sure to crush the pellets into a powder before feeding them to the fry.
FAQ
How big do panda Corys get?
Panda Corys are a relatively small species of catfish and can grow to be about 2.5 inches long.
Are panda Corys good for beginners?
Panda Corys are a good species of catfish for beginners because they are relatively easy to care for and are very hardy.
How long do panda Cory cats live?
Panda Corys have a lifespan of about 5-10 years, but they can live even longer if they are well cared for.
Is panda Corys Hardy?
Panda Corys are a very hardy species of catfish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
How often should I feed my panda cory?
Panda Corys should be fed once or twice a day. They are not picky eaters and will accept most kinds of food, but they prefer live foods.
Are panda Corydoras schooling fish?
Panda Corydoras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 4-6 fish. They are a peaceful species of catfish and get along well with other peaceful fish.
What plants do Panda Corydoras like?
Panda Corydoras like a variety of plants, but they prefer softer plants that they can nibble on. Some of their favorite plants include Java moss, Anubias, and Echinodorus.
Is 4 panda Corys enough?
Panda Corys are sociable and peaceful community fish and should be maintained in groups of six or more, preferably eight or more but definitely at least four.
Do Cory's clean tanks?
The cory catfish is a highly efficient cleaner as a little bottom feeder. It will clean up after messier fish that feed at the surface and midlevel of the aquarium by scouring the littler leftovers that have sunk to the bottom.
Conclusion
Panda Corys are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish for a good reason – they are absolutely adorable! These little catfish are easily recognizable by their unique black and white “panda” coloration.
They are peaceful, shy fish that do well in groups of 4-6 fish. Panda Corys are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them a good choice for beginner fish keepers.
However, their small size and delicate fins make them susceptible to predation, so it is important to choose tank mates carefully. If you are looking for a cute and low-maintenance addition to your freshwater aquarium, Panda Corys are the perfect fish for you. These bottom-dwelling fish are lively and active, and they make a great addition to any community tank as well.
