Table of Contents
There are many beauties of aquariums in the sea, but some of them catch our attention in different ways. Now let me introduce you to one of them - the Panda Cory catfish that belongs to the Corydoras group. This is why it is sometimes referred to as "Panda Cory". However, its scientific name is Corydoras panda.
Panda Cory catfish originated in Peru when they were first found and collected inRio Ucayali-riviersysteemby marine biologist and veterinarian Randolph Richards. In fact, this type of fish is especially abundant in the fast-flowing waters of South and Central America. They thrive in well-planted aquatic habitats.
The average size of the Panda Cory catfish
The average adult Panda Cory catfish is about 5cm. Having said that, the fish are generally small in stature and can be even smaller than 5 cm. When you buy your Panda Cory from the pet store, it should be no larger than 2.5 cm on average.
Lifetime
The Panda Cory catfish can live in the aquarium for up to 3 - 5 years. Their lifespan can be even longer if you give them the utmost care and ensure proper tank conditions are regularly maintained.
Appearance
It's not too difficult for a novice to guess what this fellow Corydoras looks like - "Panda" doesn't exist for a reason. Intricacies aside, the Panda Cory has an off-white color with black spots around certain parts—the head, dorsal fin, and base of the tail—of its body, giving it a mix of black and white, like the panda bear. However, the Panda Cory can also be pale or faded pink in color.
Speaking of body structure. the fish has a somewhat thick body that straightens laterally, and the head bends distinctly inward. Careful examination of body structure can be helpful in distinguishing a male Panda Cory from a female. The body of the female is usually rounder [than that of the male].
Other notable features seen in the Panda Cory include two rows of bony plates, one of the distinguishing features of Corys. These bony plates are used for defensive purposes. In addition, they also have three pairs of rods that serve sensory functions.
THE BEHAVIOR
According to the standard of conduct. the first thing you notice when you look closely at Panda corydoras is that they like to swim in groups. This species does not do well as a loner. However, they are largely peaceful and love life at the bottom of their aquatic habitat. However, should a Panda Cory feel threatened or attacked, it can use its spine to save itself from danger. Basically, the Panda Cory catfish is a sociable, laid-back fish.
Panda Cories actively swim around the aquarium during the day, although they may also show some nocturnal tendencies at times.
Aquarium equipment and care
Are you sure you want to have your sweet Panda Cory with you as much as possible? Therefore, you need to make sure that they receive the utmost care. first, by making efforts to reproduce the conditions that can be achieved in their natural environment in the home aquarium. Now let's see how you can do this - just to let you know. The Panda Cory catfish is very easy to care for.
Water parameters for the Panda Cory catfish
Temperature:The Panda Cory catfish loves a cool water habitat, so a temperature range between 20 - 260C is recommended for their maintenance.
PH value:The Panda Cory likes to live in an aquatic environment that is slightly acidic, although it can also do with an environment ofneutral pH value. Therefore, in the aquarium you should maintain a pH level of about 6 - 7.5.
Water hardness:You can consider this lovely pet Corydoras as a hardy type as it can survive in both soft and very hard water, with a range between 2 - 12 dGH. That said, in the wild they mostly live and swim in soft waters.
Aquarium setup
As with any aquatic animal, aquarium setup is a critical aspect that should not be overlooked in the care of the Panda Cory - this is despite the fact that the species is a purebred. A tank of around 40 litres, with an efficient filtration system fitted to it, should adequately cover the needs of a school of 5 - 6 Panda cories.
You may need to increase the size if you are looking for a community of fish or other aquatic animals in the aquarium. Besides, by placing them in a large tank, you give them plenty of room to explore while swimming in the aquarium.
The need for the filtration system is informed by the fast-moving nature of the body of water that the Panda Cory naturally inhabits. In addition, the filtration system also helps to maintain a significant amount of dissolved oxygen in the aquarium, while also helping to rid the water of impurities such as ammonia.
It is important to consider the Panda Cory's high oxygen demand, which may not be unrelated to its life on the bottom. However, the fish's adaptive intestinal tract may allow it to absorb oxygen from the air when it surfaces. When this happens, you should consider the possible lack of oxygen in the aquarium.
You also need to make sure that the aquarium you put them in has good vegetation. While some aquarists may choose to fill the tank with other (decorative) items besides plants, it's good to understand the importance of plants in the tank - they're just not always for decoration. Here's why: due to the photosynthetic activity of the plants in the aquarium, there will undoubtedly be an increased and/or improved oxygen level, which is good for your Panda Cory's health. Therefore, it would be nice to include live plants in the tank layout. This should not prevent you from adding some decoration if you wish.
Ofaquarium substratemust also be carefully selected. A substrate that is coarse or abrasive can be very detrimental to a species that is known to spend most of its time on the bottom. In this way, sand is listed as the best substrate to cover the floor of the Panda Cory tank enclosure. Alternatively, fine gravel can be used.
The water changed
The Panda Cory can show considerable sensitivity to unpleasant aquarium conditions and may even suffer from poor health due to unsanitary water conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that you change about 30% of the water volume in your tank every week. Such measures will limit the formation of nitrates or ammonia and thus prevent or limit water pollution. This ultimately keeps your lovely pet healthy.
To feed
Panda Cories are not picky feeders as they have an omnivorous feeding orientation. You can feed them frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, tubifex. They would also appreciate chewing on pellets, flakes, and vegetables like cabbage, cucumber, zucchini, etc. Emphasize here that high protein food will do your pet's health very well.
In some cases, the Panda Cory may also pull out its scavenging part and ingest dead organic matter and algae at the bottom of the tank. For emphasis, whatever food you present to your Panda Cory should be such that they end up on the bottom. For this reason, sinking pellets are usually considered the best food for Panda corydoras. Dried foods, especially those that crumble easily, should be avoided as they are likely to defeat the purpose of providing the food.
At the power frequency. you should feed them once or twice a day, giving them a measured amount that they can eat in one sitting. This is necessary to avoid contaminating a reservoir that is becoming contaminated at an alarming rate, increasing the toxicity load on it.
Aquarium partners and compatibility
Well, as you may have guessed. Panda Cory is a happy creature with a calm disposition. So they can tolerate any aquatic friend. However, it is binding on you not to endanger your Panda Cories by mixing them with aggressive and predatory people such as Oscars, tigers, jaguar cichlids, Jack Dempsey, etc. taller than Panda Cory is definitely not.
After hinting at what not to pair, I will now list some aquatic fish/pets that you can introduce to your Panda Cory as companions:
- Honing gourami
- Betta
- Guppy
- of Rashbor
- Clown Loaches
- Rabbit snails
- scary shrimp
- Bamboo shrimps
- Otocinclus
resume
The Panda Cory catfish will make a delightful addition to a home aquarium - talk about their appearance, bottom life and social lifestyle. More specifically, their ease of care means they are a suitable pet for beginners. That being said, it is vital to ensure that they receive the best care by providing them with the necessary nutrients and keeping them in a healthy aquatic environment to prevent the scourge of disease.
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FAQs
What size tank do I need for Cory breeding? ›
Around 20 gallons (a breeder or 'long' tank is preferred because cory catfish will live on the bottom) seems to be the sweet spot. You can go smaller to something like 10 gallons but this means your group should consist of a maximum of 4 fish.
What size tank for panda corydoras? ›Panda cory requirements
Since they are active and speedy and always on the lookout for food, it's highly recommended to go for a minimum aquarium size of 20 gallons (76 L) with a longer tank being preferable. In fact, you'd do best with 30+ gallons (114 L).
| Family | Callichthyidae |
|---|---|
| Social | Peaceful, schooling fish |
| Tank Level | Bottom-dwelling |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 gallon |
| Diet | Omnivore |
What Size Tank Do Cory Catfish Need? For dwarf species, a 10-gallon aquarium may be suitable, but we recommend 20 gallons or more for most other varieties. As a relatively small fish, they crave safety in numbers, so a group of six corydoras or more (all of the same species) is highly suggested.
What is the ideal breeding tank size? ›We recommend that you purchase several new 10-gallon tanks to be used exclusively for your breeding and fry raising activities. The 10-gallon size is the most commonly available and economical aquarium size and is usually available on sale from time to time at ridiculously inexpensive prices.
How big should a breeding tank be? ›When setting up your breeding aquarium, choose a tank that ranges between 10 to 20 gallons in size. A huge tank makes it harder to monitor your fish and their offspring. Of course, if you have larger fish, you will need to increase the size of the tank to accommodate their size.
How many Panda corys in a 5 gallon tank? ›In a 5 gallon tank, no Cory Catfish should be housed. Since a group of at least 6 is necessary for them to feel good, a five-gallon is too small to house a small group. Even small species like Pygmy Cory Catfish will feel uncomfortable.
How many Panda corys in a 20 gallon? ›In a 20-gallon tank, you can generally keep between eight and 10 Cory catfish, depending on the species of Corydoras you choose and what tank mates you want to keep with them. Of course, if you opt to keep smaller species, such as dwarf or Pygmy corydoras, you can keep up to 14 individuals if you want to.
Can Panda corys live in a 10-gallon tank? ›Can Panda Corys Live in a 10-Gallon Tank? Yes, but you may be better off with a different breed. Smaller varieties of corydoras will do better in a 10-gallon tank, and Panda corys are on the larger side. A small school of Panda corydoras can survive in a 10-gallon tank, but pygmaeus corys can thrive in a smaller tank.
How many Panda corys in a 10-gallon tank? ›| Cory Catfish Types | Size (in inches) | Number of fish in a 10-gallon tank |
|---|---|---|
| Sterba's Cory | 2.5 to 3 | 5 to 6 |
| Emerald Cory | 3 | 4 to 6 |
| Panda Cory | 2 | 5 to 6 |
| Three stripes Cory | 2.5 | 5 to 6 |
Are Panda corys hard to breed? ›
Breeding your Panda cory's
As they breed just like any other Corydoras, the process isn't very difficult and often goes unspotted because they lay around 10-15 eggs on glass or under large leaves of aquatic plants.
Corydoras Behavior/Compatibility
Different species can be mixed, and they will often group together. For best results, they should be purchased in groups of 5 or more. These catfish will sometimes dart to the surface to gulp air.
A Cory Catfish is a bottom dweller, so it's a good idea to keep at least 2 inches of aquarium gravel or substrate on the tank bottom. Cory Catfish also seem to really enjoy a tank with lots of live plants. Live aquarium plants provide cover and hiding places for the fish to rest.
What is a full size cory catfish? ›Cory Catfish Size
Cory catfish species vary in size, but none grow very large. They range from 2.5 to 12 centimeters in total length — that's a little less than an inch to about 4.75 inches. Most cory catfish are less than 7 centimeters — or about 2.75 inches — in length.
As with all Corydoras catfish, they have bony plates along their flanks, pointed pectoral and dorsal fins, and adorable whiskers. Ideal biotope setup for these “Blue Corys” would include river sand, driftwood branches, piled rockwork, and dried leaf litter.
Should you put substrate in a breeding tank? ›A lot of fish are very happy to breed in a tank with no gravel. The absence of gravel makes cleaning easier and monitoring of eggs and fry easier too. Having said that, some species dig nests, and these absolutely need a substrate, so it is important to check on individual species' breeding requirements.
How deep is a 40 gallon breeder tank? ›Breeder tank size
So, the dimensions of a 40-gallon breeder tank are generally around 36 inches long,18 inches high, and 16 inches deep. The weight of a glass tank of that size when empty is around 55 pounds.
Marine. The largest fish for a marine 40 gallon tank we would recommend would be a green chromis. Although these fish are commonly seen in pet stores very small, they do actually get reasonably large when kept long enough to mature.
How long is a 55 gallon breeder tank? ›55 GALLON TANK: Measures 48 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 20 inches high.
What size is a 10 gallon breeder tank? ›Rectangle 10-gallon fish tanks generally follow a standard aquarium sizing of 20” L x 10” W x 12” H. Freshwater fish, invertebrates, snakes, lizards, frogs and various other species will feel right at home in an all-glass aquarium of this size.
How many Panda corys should I keep together? ›
As a social species, they should be kept in groups of 5 or more. Other peaceful species such as some of the smaller pencilfish, tetra, and rasboras make ideal tankmates, and their presence as "˜dither fish"™ in midwater will encourage the Corydoras out into view more often.
Do Panda corys need to be in groups? ›Aquarium Habitat
C. panda are very social and prefer to live with members of their own species. They are known to thrive remarkably better when in groups. They are peaceful toward other species as well.
Cory catfish don't lay eggs on a regular basis, which makes it hard to put an exact number on how often they spawn. However, in optimal breeding conditions you may expect a spawn every 1-4 weeks.
What is the lifespan of a panda corydoras? ›The lifespan of Corydoras panda in the aquarium has not been systematically determined, but given the longevity of other Corydoras species in the aquarium, it is reasonable to assume that well-cared for specimens will enjoy a lifespan in excess of ten years, and frequently in excess of 15 years.
Do Panda Corys eat algae? ›What Do Corydoras Eat? Cory catfish are omnivores, eating a diet of meaty proteins, plant matter, algae, and general detritus.
Will panda corys eat baby shrimp? ›Cory catfish and shrimp make great tank mates. Unlike popular belief, cory catfish don't eat shrimp. They might eat small shrimplets by accident, but this is very rare. Three great shrimp to keep with cory catfish are cherry shrimp, crystal red shrimp, and Amano shrimp.
What do corys like in their tank? ›Habitat: A Cory Catfish is a bottom dweller, so it's a good idea to keep at least 2 inches of aquarium gravel or substrate on the tank bottom. Cory Catfish also seem to really enjoy a tank with lots of live plants. Live aquarium plants provide cover and hiding places for the fish to rest.
Why are my panda cory catfish dying? ›Sharp gravel in combination with poor water quality causes bacterial infections, which cause barbels to die off. Another thing you can do is provide foods that don't fall apart and stay compact. This way cory catfish will have to dig less in the gravel. But even then, adding sand is the safest choice.
What plants do Panda corys like? ›- Java moss. Java moss is probably one of my favorite aquarium plants of all time. ...
- Java fern. ...
- Helanthium tenellum. ...
- Amazon frogbit. ...
- Vallisneria. ...
- Red root floater. ...
- Water sprite. ...
- Hornwort.
Unlike many cories that must be kept in larger tanks, the panda cory can work well in 10- to 20-gallon aquariums (although more space is always better). They cost about $7 each, so get a school of at least six of them for $42.
How many panda mollies can you have in a 10-gallon tank? ›
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to keep about 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. So, if you have 3-inch mollies, you can probably only keep 3 of them in a 10-gallon tank. If you have only a couple of inches of mollies, you can probably keep 4 of them in a 10-gallon tank.
How many guppies and Corydoras can I put in a 10-gallon tank? ›As we calculated, a 10-gallon tank is enough room for 5-6 guppies. If we want to follow the golden ratio of 1 male to every 2-3 females, then a 10-gallon would give us enough space for four females and a maximum of two males.
What is the easiest cory to breed? ›For those of you looking to try your hand at breeding need look no further than Corydoras aeneus, its albino form or Corydoras paleatus, these are probably the easiest of all Corydoras to breed.
How long after mating do corys lay eggs? ›There is no routine schedule or expectation for their egg spawns. If you are following proper care, and you have set up ideal breeding environments for the Cory catfish, they could potentially spawn every 1-4 weeks. However, when they lay eggs, they might require some recovery time before spawning again.
What fish do cory catfish not get along with? ›Cory catfish themselves are fish that love to be on their own and mind their own business. They will never search for trouble, but this means they also like to be left alone. They don't do well with intrusive fish and certainly not with aggressive fish like certain cichlids, oscars, …
Can Betta and Corydora live together? ›Cory catfish and betta fish make great tank mates. Betta fish are known to be territorial, but cory catfish inhabit the bottom layer of the tank, which decreases the chances on confrontation. Cory catfish are peaceful avoiding confrontation and need similar care and diets.
Can I put 2 cory catfish with my betta? ›You can put betta with cory catfish. Corys are peaceful fish, which balances the intense aggression from bettas. Their docile nature prevents them from aggravating a betta's intense prey drive. Corys have muted colors and small, flowing fins that do not irritate a betta.
Do cory catfish like gravel? ›The popular belief regarding aquarium gravel with cory catfish is that is causes cory catfish barbels to erode and die off. This is a myth, and although cory catfish love playing in sand, sharp gravel isn't the main cause of barbel erosion.
Do cory catfish like warm or cold water? ›The best temperature to keep Cory Catfish at is between 70°F (21°C) and 78°F (22°C). The ideal temperature depends on the species, some species like Corydoras sterbai like to live in higher temperatures (up to 86°F), while other species like Corydoras paleatus can do fine in lower temperatures (>59°F).
What is the most rare Cory Catfish? ›The Gold Stripe Cory Catfish (Corydoras sp. CW010), also known as the Gold Laser Cory Catfish, is a relatively newfound species that is native to Peru. It is rare in the aquarium hobby, but is in high demand due to its coloration of a metallic green body with a thick neon yellow stripe along its shoulder and side.
What is the largest corydora breed? ›
Barbatus Cory Catfish are the biggest Cory Catfish species. Their full size is 5 inches. Males are only slightly smaller.
What temp do Cory cats like? ›Temperature: Most Cory Catfish thrive in temperatures between 72 to 82°F. You can find Catfish that enjoy the cooler end of this spectrum, but this temperature spectrum covers what they find comfortable for all Catfish.
Do cory catfish like sand or gravel? ›Do Cory Catfish Need Sand Substrate? Corydoras have wispy barbels or whiskers to help them find food, so smooth sand or gravel is preferred.
Can you mix plecos and cory catfish? ›Cory catfish and plecos can live together as tank mates, because they are both peaceful fish. A tank size of minimum 20 gallons is needed. Certain species of pleco catfish need a bigger tank and will need a more plant-based diet, as opposed to cory catfish.
Can you touch Corydoras? ›More important, take care to avoid getting them stuck in your hand! Not only are the fins sharp, but most cories possess a mild venom that can cause pain for several hours. It isn't likely to land you in the hospital or anything of the sort (unless you have an allergy), but it hurts like a bee sting.
What are the best Corydoras to breed for profit? ›Orange laser corydoras (Corydoras sp.
They do cost more than the average corydoras at $15 to $20, so they might be a fun fish to breed for profit. You can breed them as a colony in a heavily planted tank with dense foliage like java moss, or you can remove the eggs to raise the fry in a separate tank.
In a 5 gallon tank, no Cory Catfish should be housed. Since a group of at least 6 is necessary for them to feel good, a five-gallon is too small to house a small group. Even small species like Pygmy Cory Catfish will feel uncomfortable.
How often do cory catfish breed? ›Cory catfish don't lay eggs on a regular basis, which makes it hard to put an exact number on how often they spawn. However, in optimal breeding conditions you may expect a spawn every 1-4 weeks. Difficult species will only lay eggs after extensive conditioning and sometimes need months to recover.
How many cory catfish can you have in a 10 gallon tank? ›Nevertheless, most hobbyists agree that you can keep anywhere from 2 to 6 cory catfish in a 10-gallon tank, especially if you choose pygmy or dwarf varieties. As a general rule, the bigger your fish, the more space they need.
What is the most rare cory catfish? ›The Gold Stripe Cory Catfish (Corydoras sp. CW010), also known as the Gold Laser Cory Catfish, is a relatively newfound species that is native to Peru. It is rare in the aquarium hobby, but is in high demand due to its coloration of a metallic green body with a thick neon yellow stripe along its shoulder and side.
What is the breeding ratio for cory? ›
Cory catfish stocking in a ratio of 2 males to every female produces the best results. The female usually holds a few eggs between her pelvic fins, where the male fertilizes them. After each spawning, the female will deposit eggs on the tank glass, often in an area where the water flow is high.
What is the perfect corydora tank? ›Housing Recommendations for Corydoras
A 30-gallon aquarium is best for most species, although pygmy Corys such as C. hastatus, C. habrosus and C. pygmaeus can be kept in smaller aquariums.
So, a tank with breeding angelfish, dwarf cichlids, and corydoras could be highly lucrative. For example, imagine you get 50 angelfish, ten dwarf cichlids, and ten corydoras from a single breeding session. If you can sell all these fish, you could make more than $500 with every breeding cycle.
How much can you sell a cory fish for? ›On average, Cory Catfish cost anywhere between $3 and $10 per fish. This highly depends on the species though and some rare species can cost more than $60/piece! Apart from the fish themselves, there are some initial and ongoing costs to take into consideration.
How many panda corys in a 20 gallon? ›In a 20-gallon tank, you can generally keep between eight and 10 Cory catfish, depending on the species of Corydoras you choose and what tank mates you want to keep with them. Of course, if you opt to keep smaller species, such as dwarf or Pygmy corydoras, you can keep up to 14 individuals if you want to.
Can Betta and cory live together? ›Cory catfish and betta fish make great tank mates. Betta fish are known to be territorial, but cory catfish inhabit the bottom layer of the tank, which decreases the chances on confrontation. Cory catfish are peaceful avoiding confrontation and need similar care and diets.
Do cory catfish eat algae? ›Corydoras catfish do not eat much algae. Although you might see your Cory catfish nibbling on the algae they find growing on rocks, wood, and the substrate, the green stuff doesn't make up a large part of a Cory's diet.
Do cory catfish like lots of plants? ›Corydoras love plants in their aquarium as they provide natural cover, improve the water quality and are beautiful to look at.
How do you stop corydoras from breeding? ›- Buy only one gender of fish, preferably males. If you don't have male and female fish together, there is less chance for baby fish to appear. ...
- Choose egg-laying species rather than live bearers. ...
- Adjust tanks conditions to make breeding less comfortable.