Panda Corydoras

Panda Corydoras

Corydoras panda

Family: Callichthyidae • Origin: South America

The Panda Cory is a charming bottom-dwelling catfish with black and white markings. One of the best community fish.

Min Tank
10 gal
Max Size
2"
Temperature
68-77°F
pH
6-7.5
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
6+
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
2-12 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivoreschooling

Is Panda Corydoras Right for Your Tank?

Panda Corydoras is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.

With a peaceful temperament, Panda Corydoras makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 6 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 10 years with proper care.

Common Mistakes with Panda Corydoras

Keeping fewer than 6 together

Panda Corydoras is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 6 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.

Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons

While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (20 gal) is much more forgiving.

Care Tips

  • Keep in groups of 6+
  • Use sand substrate
  • Provide sinking food
  • Prefers cooler temperatures
  • Add driftwood for cover

Feeding: Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms.

Compatibility Notes: Peaceful bottom-dweller. Needs sand substrate to protect barbels.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size
10 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
20 gallons
Swimming Level
bottom
Minimum School Size
6+ fish

Water Parameters

Temperature
6877°F
pH Range
67.5
Hardness (dGH)
212
Water Type
freshwater

Behavior & Temperament

Temperament
peaceful
Aggression Level
1/5
Schooling
Yes
Territorial
No
Fin Nipper
No
Predatory
No
Diet Type
omnivore
Growth Rate
slow

Peaceful bottom-dweller. Needs sand substrate to protect barbels.

Breeding

Breeding Type
egg layer
Breeding Difficulty
moderate
Lifespan
10 years

Ideal For

10 galloncommunitybeginnersplanted tank

Compatible Tank Mates

View all →

Similar Species