How To Keep Panda Corydoras
How to Keep Panda Corydoras: A Peaceful Schooling Catfish for Any Aquarium
Panda Corydoras are among the most beloved members of the Corydoras family. Named for the distinct black patches over their eyes and tail—resembling a panda—they’re peaceful, playful, and highly social fish that bring charm and energy to the bottom of any freshwater tank. Small in size but full of personality, Panda Corys are perfect for both beginner and seasoned aquarists.
Ideal Tank Setup
Panda Corydoras prefer a soft, clean, and calm environment where they can root around and interact with one another. A tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended for a small group, although larger tanks are always better for maintaining stable water parameters and supporting natural behaviors.
Use a fine, sandy substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, which they use to dig for food. Avoid sharp gravel or rough substrates, which can cause injury. Provide plenty of cover with driftwood, rock structures, and live plants like Anubias, Java fern, or floating varieties that diffuse light and make the fish feel secure.
Filtration should be gentle—sponge filters or pre-filtered HOB filters work well—and the tank should be well-oxygenated with low to moderate flow. Panda Corys are more active in lower light settings, so consider a dimmer setup to encourage natural behavior.
Water Conditions and Parameters
Panda Corydoras originate from cool, slow-moving streams in Peru, so they prefer cooler temperatures compared to many tropical species. They thrive in the following conditions:
Temperature: 68–74°F (20–23°C)
pH: 6.0–7.4
GH: 2–10 dGH
KH: 1–5 dKH
Stable, clean water is crucial. Perform weekly water changes of 25–40%, and avoid sudden changes in pH or temperature. These fish are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, so mature, cycled tanks are a must.
Social Behavior and Tank Mates
Panda Corydoras are peaceful and social schooling fish that must be kept in groups of at least six. In groups, they display natural behaviors like shoaling, foraging, and “dancing” along the tank floor. When kept alone or in pairs, they tend to become shy and withdrawn.
They are excellent community tank members and can be housed with peaceful tank mates such as tetras, rasboras, livebearers, small gouramis, and other dwarf cory species. Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous fish, especially those that may nip at fins or outcompete them for food.
Feeding Panda Corydoras
In the wild, Panda Corys feed on small insects, larvae, and organic matter found on the river bottom. In the aquarium, they’ll happily eat a variety of sinking foods and protein-rich treats.
Feed them a balanced diet of sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom-dwellers. Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods like bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and microworms. While they’ll scavenge leftover food, they still require dedicated feeding—ensure food reaches the substrate where they can find it.
Feeding at night or after the lights go out can help in community tanks with faster top-dwelling eaters.
Health and Maintenance Tips
Panda Corys are hardy when kept in stable, clean water, but they are particularly sensitive to poor water quality and temperature spikes. Use a thermometer to monitor consistently cooler water and avoid adding them to newly set-up tanks.
Look out for barbel erosion, fungal patches, or sluggish behavior as signs of distress. Keep substrate clean, avoid copper-based medications, and use soft water conditioners or botanicals to create a more natural, tannin-rich environment if needed.
Final Thoughts
Panda Corydoras are the perfect bottom-dweller for aquarists seeking a peaceful, social, and adorable fish that thrives in cool, clean water. Their black-and-white coloring, lively schooling nature, and gentle temperament make them an irresistible addition to planted tanks and community setups alike. With proper care and a stable environment, they’ll reward you with years of personality and playful interaction.
