About Panda Cory

The Panda Cory is an adorable small corydoras catfish named for its striking black and white coloration that resembles a panda bear. Native to Peru, these peaceful bottom-dwellers are perfect for small community tanks. They are active, social fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Their small size makes them suitable for nano tanks while still maintaining their charming corydoras behaviors including their signature winking motion and occasional darting to the surface for air.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Panda Corys need soft substrate and gentle filtration.

Essential Setup:

  • 10+ gallons minimum
  • Sand or fine gravel (protect barbels)
  • Plants and hiding spots
  • Gentle filtration
  • Temperature 68-77°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C)
  • pH: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
  • Water Hardness: Soft (2-10 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Bottom-feeding omnivores:

  • Sinking pellets or wafers
  • Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp
  • Crushed flake that falls to bottom
  • Occasional vegetables

Feeding Schedule: Feed after lights out or target feed to ensure they get food.

Behavior & Compatibility

Very peaceful and social:

  • Schooling: Keep 6+ for natural behavior
  • Peaceful: Perfect community fish
  • Active: Constantly foraging
  • Air breathers: Will dart to surface occasionally (normal)

Good Tank Mates:

  • Small tetras (Cardinal, Neon)
  • Rasboras
  • Small gouramis
  • Shrimp
  • Other peaceful fish

Special Behaviors

  • Winking: Move eyes independently
  • Barbels: Sensitive whiskers for finding food
  • Air breathing: Can survive low oxygen
  • Schooling: More active and secure in groups

Health Notes

Watch for barbel erosion:

  • Cause: Rough gravel, poor water quality
  • Prevention: Use sand, maintain water quality
  • Sign: Shortening or inflamed barbels

Breeding

Can be bred in home aquariums:

  • Trigger: Cool water change
  • Spawning: T-position mating
  • Eggs: On glass, plants, or decor
  • Fry care: Feed micro foods, baby brine shrimp

Tips for Success

  • Use sand substrate (essential for barbel health)
  • Keep in groups of 6 or more
  • Target feed to ensure they get nutrition
  • Avoid rough handling
  • Maintain excellent water quality

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Small Tetras
🐠 Rasboras
🐠 Small Gouramis
🐠 Shrimp
🐠 Peaceful Community Fish