Size
Although adults have the capacity to grow to a length of two inches, they typically remain much smaller.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Under specific lighting conditions, the sides and operculum of the Corydoras panda exhibit a mild greenish iridescence. The dorsal fin bears a black blotch that practically spans the entire fin, and a dark stripe circles the caudal peduncle from dorsal to ventral. The fish’s fins are translucent or hyaline with colorful fin rays. Occasionally, the small spine-equipped adipose fin turns black. The eyes are surrounded by a black mask that descends vertically from the fontanel and ends in a triangular wedge just before the ventral surface. The head is the same color as the body.
When the fish is at rest, its pectoral fins, which are situated behind the operculum and resemble airplane wings, are horizontal. On the fish’s ventral side, the pelvic fins are situated behind the pectoral fins. At the greatest point of the body, where a vertical line connects the pelvic fins, the first ray of the dorsal fin emerges from the body. The first fin ray’s attachment point is in front of the black caudal peduncle marking, and the anal fin is situated well beyond the body’s ventral surface.
Care and Keeping as Pet
- Water Conditions
The Corydoras panda inhabits rivers with soft sand or fine gravel as a substratum and clear, swiftly moving water that is well-oxygenated. Between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius is the optimum temperature range for specimens raised in tanks.
- Tank mates
Panda corys are extremely calm fish that prefer being around other members of their kind. They should always be kept in groups, ideally of six or more, but if room is restricted, keep at least four. Due to their strong social bonds, panda corys frequently travel with other species of bottom-dwelling fish, most notably clown loaches. It is not advisable to keep them with huge or too boisterous fish that might pick on them or appear to be menacing, even though they get along well with almost all species. Tiger barbs, for instance, tend to nip at other fish, making them a bad friend. Panda corys make good pets for small to medium-sized tetras, danios, and rasboras. Aspidoras and any other species of cory are also appropriate small catfish.
- Habitat and Tank Setup
The panda cory requires high-quality water much like other corys do. A good filtration system is crucial, as are routine water changes. With this species, err on the side of excessive filtration. This species’ water temperature is a little lower than that of other warm-water species since it is native to a tropical zone where the water is a little cooler. Because they are almost exclusively captive-bred, panda corys are generally able to withstand warmer temperatures. Use either fine gravel or sand to create a soft, fine substrate. Although live plants are desirable, they are not necessary as long as there is a lot of other décor that offers cover and shade. This catfish does well to feel at home and at ease in caves, rocks, and driftwood. Real or fake floating plants can be useful for casting shade.
- Feeding
Great scavengers, feeding Panda corys snag any food that hits the bottom. However, if kept in a communal tank with other fish, care should be given to make sure that the corys have access to enough food in the bottom of the tank. Food can also be placed under decor with tongs or sunk using tablets or pellets. Having a diversified diet is crucial for good health. Whenever feasible, include live or frozen meats. Worms, beetles, and any type of crab are all excellent options. They tend to enjoy bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia in particular. An excellent feeding option for panda corys is a variety of prepared food tablets that are made especially for corys. Consider placing a few food tablets in the tank right before turning out the lights for the evening because, as you should be aware, this species is active at night.
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