CORYDORAS PANDA

CORYDORAS PANDA

$11.99

Quantity

25 in stock

Buy Now

Share:

The Corydoras panda is a small and peaceful species of catfish native to South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin. Known for its distinctive appearance with black markings resembling a panda, this species is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. Corydoras panda is a bottom-dwelling fish that thrives in groups and is an excellent scavenger that helps keep the substrate clean. It is well-suited for a peaceful community tank and is easy to care for, making it an ideal species for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

Tank Requirements

  • Tank Size:
    • A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of 6 or more Corydoras panda.
    • Larger groups or community setups may require 30 gallons or more.
  • Tank Setup:
    • Fine gravel or sand substrate is ideal to prevent damage to their sensitive barbels.
    • Add smooth rocks, driftwood, and plants to provide hiding spots and a natural environment.
    • Ensure plenty of open swimming space for foraging and active behavior.
  • Lighting: Moderate; they are not particularly sensitive to light but prefer a more dimly lit environment with shaded areas.
  • Water Flow: Gentle to moderate flow; they prefer slower-moving water, typical of their native environment.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm.
  • Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20–30% weekly) to ensure good water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful substances.

Diet

Corydoras panda is an omnivore and scavenger:

  • Staple Foods:
    • High-quality sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom feeders.
  • Live/Frozen Foods:
    • Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms.
  • Vegetables:
    • Offer blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, or algae wafers.
  • Feeding Schedule: Feed 2–3 times a day, offering small portions that they can eat within a few minutes to prevent uneaten food from degrading water quality.

Behavior and Compatibility

  • Temperament:
    • Peaceful and social; Corydoras panda should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals.
    • They are calm, active bottom dwellers that enjoy scavenging for food and interacting with their group.
  • Tankmates:
    • Compatible with a variety of peaceful species, including small tetras, livebearers, and other peaceful community fish.
    • Avoid aggressive fish or very small species that could be eaten.
  • Activity Level:
    • Active during the day, especially when food is available. They will forage the substrate for food and enjoy exploring.

Breeding

Breeding Corydoras panda is possible in a well-maintained aquarium setup:

  1. Breeding Setup:
    • A breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5) and a temperature of 76–78°F is ideal.
    • Flat surfaces such as leaves or glass should be provided for egg-laying.
  2. Spawning Behavior:
    • Once conditioned with high-quality food, the female will lay eggs, which are fertilized by the male.
    • Eggs are typically laid on smooth surfaces, such as plants or glass.
  3. Egg Care:
    • The eggs will hatch in 3–5 days, and the fry will become free-swimming within 1 week.
  4. Fry Care:
    • Feed fry with infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food.

Common Challenges

  1. Water Quality:
    • Corydoras panda is sensitive to poor water quality, especially high nitrate levels. Regular water changes and tank maintenance are essential for their health.
  2. Barbel Damage:
    • Their sensitive barbels can be damaged by sharp or rough substrates. Be sure to provide a smooth substrate like sand or fine gravel to protect them.
  3. Overfeeding:
    • Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality, so it’s important to only feed what they can consume in a few minutes.
  4. Social Needs:
    • Corydoras panda is a social species that thrives in groups. Keeping fewer than 6 individuals can lead to stress and abnormal behavior.

Interesting Facts

  • The Corydoras panda gets its name from the black markings on its face and body, which resemble the markings of a panda bear.
  • Like other Corydoras species, they are excellent “clean-up” fish, sifting through the substrate for uneaten food, which helps keep the tank clean.
  • Corydoras panda is known for its peaceful and non-aggressive nature, making it an excellent addition to community tanks.
  • Although relatively small (usually 2 to 2.5 inches), Corydoras panda is a hardy fish that can live for several years with proper care.

Care Summary

Aspect Details
Tank Size Minimum 20 gallons; 30+ gallons for groups
Water Parameters pH 6.0–7.5, 72–78°F, soft water
Diet Omnivorous: sinking pellets, live/frozen foods, and vegetables
Temperament Peaceful and social, best kept in groups
Lifespan 5–7 years

The Corydoras panda is a beautiful, peaceful, and easy-to-care-for species that thrives in groups. With its distinctive markings and active, scavenging behavior, it makes an excellent addition to peaceful community tanks. By providing them with proper care, including a well-maintained tank and a varied diet, Corydoras panda can live a long, healthy life while bringing joy to your aquarium.

Related products