The panda cory, also known as the panda catfish, is a small fish native to South America. It gets its name because its colors are black and off-white, resembling a giant panda. These little fish are peaceful and friendly, making them well-suited for small freshwater tanks with other calm fish.
Panda cories are like tanks with lots of plants and soft sand or smooth gravel at the bottom. That’s because their barbels are sensitive and can get hurt on rough surfaces. They’re also really fun to watch. Sometimes, they zoom around the tank like they’re playing tag.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about keeping your panda cory happy and healthy.
Origin and Distribution
The panda cory comes from Peru, where it lives in the Ucayali River system. This river is one of the main tributaries that help form the Amazon River. The fish was first collected in 1968, but it didn’t get its name until 1971. It was named Corydoras panda because its black and white colors look just like a giant panda from China.
The water where panda corys live is special. It’s called blackwater, which means it’s soft (low in minerals) and slightly acidic. It’s also cooler than most tropical waters, usually in the low to mid-70s (Fahrenheit). Initially, these fish were difficult to find and expensive because they were caught in the wild. But you can now get panda corys at pet stores for a much better price, which has made them a favorite for aquarium lovers everywhere.
Colors and Markings
The panda cory is a small fish with a soft, off-white, or light pink body. What makes it stand out are its three bold black markings. One black patch goes across its eyes, just like the dark circles on a giant panda’s face. That’s actually how it got its name.
The second black spot sits on top of its back fin (called the dorsal fin), and the third one is at the base of its tail. That last spot can be big or small, which has led to two types: big-spot and small-spot panda corys.
Instead of regular fish scales, panda corys have two rows of rigid bony plates called scutes. These plates help protect their bodies. They also have three pairs of little whiskers called barbels near their mouth, which allow them to feel around in the water. To help keep them safe, they have tiny sharp barbs under each eye, in front of the top fin, and on the small fin behind it (called the adipose fin). Most panda corys grow to about 2 inches long, but many stay a bit smaller.
Panda Cory Habitat and Care
Panda corys, like their cory cousins, need clean, healthy water to stay happy and well. That means changing the water regularly and using a good filter. It’s better to have a stronger filter than a weak one. These little fish love fresh, clear water.
Unlike some other tropical fish, panda corys come from cooler places, so they prefer slightly cooler water. But don’t worry, most panda corys today are born and raised in tanks so that they can handle a bit warmer water, too.
When it comes to the bottom of the tank, use soft stuff like sand or fine gravel. Their little whiskers (called barbels) are sensitive so that rough rocks can hurt them. They also love hiding spots. Add caves, smooth stones, or driftwood so they can explore and rest. Live plants are great, too, but not a must. Just make sure some decorations give shade and places to hide. Floating plants, whether real or fake, can also help block light and make them feel more secure.
Panda Cory Diet and Feeding
Panda corys are good at finding food that falls to the bottom of the tank. They act like little cleaners, scooping up leftover food. But if they live in a tank with other fish, you have to make sure enough food reaches them at the bottom.
One easy way to do this is by using sinking food tablets or pellets. You can also use tongs to place food under decorations so it doesn’t get eaten too fast by other fish.
To keep your panda cory healthy and happy, provide it with a variety of different foods. Try to include some meaty treats, such as live or frozen shrimp, worms, and tiny insects. Panda corys love bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
There are also special food tablets made just for cory fish, and those work great for panda corys. Since these fish are most active at night, it’s a good idea to drop in a few food tablets right before you turn off the tank lights. That way, they can snack when they’re most awake.
Tankmates
Panda cories are super friendly and love being with other fish. But most of all, they enjoy being with other panda cory. These fish prefer being in a group of at least four, as they don’t like being alone. If you have more space in your tank, six or more is even better. They enjoy swimming together and sometimes even socialize with other fish that inhabit the bottom, such as clown loaches.
They usually get along well with other fish, but it’s essential not to pair them with fish that are too large or tend to bully their smaller counterparts. For example, tiger barbs can be somewhat aggressive and may nip at them. That’s not fun for the peaceful panda cory.
Good tank buddies for panda corys include small to medium-sized fish, such as tetras, danios, and rasboras. You can also add other gentle bottom dwellers, such as spiders or other cory catfish. Just make sure everyone in the tank gets along, and no one is too rough.
Breeding the Panda Cory
At first, people thought breeding panda corys at home would be hard. However, we now know it’s entirely possible if you set things up correctly.
To begin, ensure the breeding tank contains soft plants, such as Java moss or other fine-leaved plants. That’s where the female will place her eggs. The male and female fish should be well-fed before breeding.
Feed them with tasty live foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia. These help prepare them for spawning.
When the female is full of eggs, she’ll be ready to mate. The male and female will form a “T” shape. This is how many cory fish breed. The female will hold one or two eggs between her fins. Then, the male fertilizes the eggs, and she swims off to stick them to a hidden spot, usually on a plant. They’ll do this repeatedly for a few hours. By the end, the female might lay around 100 sticky, light-yellow eggs.
After about four days, the baby fish (called fry) will hatch. They are susceptible to water temperature. Keep the water at a temperature no warmer than 72°F to keep them safe. For food, infusoria (tiny water creatures) is best. However, you can also purchase exceptional baby fish food from the store.
Clean water is super important! If you need to change the water, make sure the new water matches the tank’s temperature and quality exactly. In about three months, the baby panda corys will start to show the same cute colors as the adults.
Conclusion
Panda cories are small, peaceful fish that are fun to watch and easy to care. They love being with other panda corys, enjoy clean water, and need soft places to swim and hide. Feeding them a mix of sinking foods and small live treats keeps them happy and healthy. And if you want to breed them, it just takes some patience and the right setup.
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