Panda Corydoras are charming small catfish named for their distinctive black patches around the eyes, dorsal fin, and base of the tail, resembling a panda bear. Peaceful and active, they are a favorite among aquarists for community tanks.
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Panda Corydoras are charming small catfish named for their distinctive black patches around the eyes, dorsal fin, and base of the tail, resembling a panda bear. Peaceful and active, they are a favorite among aquarists for community tanks.
Panda Corydoras are small, stocky catfish with a creamy-beige to pinkish-white body. Their trademark feature is the black patch over each eye, a second patch on the dorsal fin, and a third at the base of the tail, giving them their panda-like appearance. They have armored bodies covered in bony plates, long sensitive barbels, and expressive eyes that make them endearing aquarium fish.
5–8 years with proper care
Omnivorous; eats sinking pellets, wafers, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and vegetable matter.
Panda Corydoras are one of the most adorable and rewarding Cory species to keep. Their panda-like markings, active group behavior, and gentle nature make them a favorite in community aquariums. They thrive in schools, and with clean, well-oxygenated water, they will reward aquarists with years of lively companionship and even breeding opportunities.
Beginner to Intermediate (slightly more sensitive to poor water conditions than Bronze or Albino Cories)
20 gallons (for a group of 6 or more)
6.0 to 7.5
2–12 dGH
68–77°F (20–25°C)
2 inches
Peaceful community fish such as Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Guppies, Mollies, Platies, Otocinclus, small Gouramis, Shrimp, and Snails.
Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish such as Tiger Barbs, Bettas (males), large Cichlids, or any species that may outcompete them for food at the bottom.
Corydoras panda
Callichthyidae
Native to the upper Amazon basin in Peru and Ecuador, especially cool, clear mountain streams with sandy or muddy bottoms.
Schooling fish; thrive in groups of 6 or more. More confident, playful, and active when kept in schools.
Feed twice daily with high-quality sinking pellets or wafers. Supplement diet with frozen/live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Blanched vegetables like cucumber or zucchini can be offered occasionally. Ensure food sinks quickly so they can access it.
pH: 6.0–7.5, Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C), Hardness: 2–12 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm
Vulnerable to ich, fin rot, and barbel erosion from sharp substrates. Sensitive to high nitrate levels and poor oxygenation. Maintain soft sandy substrate and excellent water quality to prevent stress and disease.
Panda Corydoras are highly social, peaceful, and playful bottom-dwellers. They thrive in schools of 6 or more and display fascinating group behaviors such as synchronized swimming and resting together. They are shy when kept alone, but confident and active when in groups. Pandas are ideal for calm community aquariums, where their gentle nature complements other non-aggressive species.
The Panda Cory (Corydoras panda) is a beloved freshwater catfish species native to the rivers and streams of Peru and Ecuador. It was first discovered in the 1960s and quickly became a staple in the aquarium trade due to its unique panda-like markings. Unlike many Corydoras, Panda Cories prefer slightly cooler, well-oxygenated water with a gentle current, mimicking their native mountain streams. They are hardy but sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes are essential. In addition to their attractive appearance, their playful, active nature and peaceful temperament make them a delightful choice for community aquariums.