Panda Cory

The Panda cory, sometimes known as the Panda catfish, is a South American catfish with a black and off-white color pattern similar to that of a large panda. 

Panda cory is generally quiet and gregarious, making them fish excellent addition to a small freshwater aquarium.

This popular Corydoras (cory) species is native to Peru, where it can be found in the Ucayali river basin, the Amazon River’s main headwater. H.R. Richards collected the species in 1968, but it wasn’t named until three years later when Nijssen and Isbrücker gave it the name corydoras panda. The name was given in honor of the giant panda of China, which has a white body with black markings around the eyes and extremities, which this lovely cory also has.

The Panda cory comes from a location known for its blackwater characteristics. Due to a lack of minerals, the water is acidic and fairly soft. Furthermore, the water temperature in these locations is slightly colder than in other tropical areas, averaging in the mid to low 70s. When the aquarium hobby was first established, species were wild-caught, making them quite expensive to purchase. 

Captive breeding methods eventually cut the price significantly, and as a result, the species has become not only reasonably priced but also extremely popular.

II. You would love the fish because…

The Panda cory has an off-white to the pale pink body with three distinct deep black patterns. The first starts at the top of the head and extends around the eyes, similar to the black markings around the eyes of a huge panda. 

The second black marking covers the dorsal fin, and the third, known as the caudal peduncle, is near the base of the tail. This third spot at the base of the tail varies in size, giving rise to the big-spot and small-spot morphs of this fish, each named after the size of the tail spot.

This fish, like others in the cory family, has two rows of overlapping bony plates known as scutes rather than scales. Panda cory has three pairs of paired barbels as well as many sharp barbs for protection. 

There is one barb under each eye, one in front of the dorsal fin, and one on the adipose fin. Adults can grow to be two inches long, but they are usually much shorter.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

A very peaceful community fish.

IV. Species compatibility

Clown loaches, Tiger barbs, rasboras Other small catfish such as Aspidoras, as well as any cory species.

V. How to feed this species?

These catfish love Aqueon Bottom Feeder Tablets, Shrimp Pellets, Tropical Granules, and Algae Rounds. Feed a range of high-quality items and vary your fish’s diet daily for the greatest results. Feed your fish only what they can ingest in 2 to 3 minutes, once or twice a day.

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