The Corydoras panda is a very popular small bottom catfish, recognisable by its black spots around the eyes reminiscent of a panda. Peaceful, gregarious and active, it is ideal for calm community aquariums with a suitable substrate and well-maintained water.

Origin & habitat

Native toSouth America, the Corydoras panda mainly comes from the high-altitude rivers of Peru, where the water is cool, well-oxygenated and has a moderate current. It frequents sandy-muddy bottoms with dead leaves, roots and shaded areas, in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water.

Description & sexual dimorphism

• Adult size: around 4.5-5 cm
• Lifespan: 5 to 8 years in good conditions
• Colouration: cream to beige background, black spot over the eye, black spot on the caudal peduncle and often on the dorsal fin.
• Body: typical of corydoras, stocky with a short head and an inferior mouth with barbels

Adult females are generally larger and rounder when viewed from above, especially during the spawning period, while males are slimmer and slightly smaller.

Recommended water parameters

• Temperature: 20-25°C (prefer cool water)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 °dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Water quality: no nitrites, low nitrates, clean, well-oxygenated water

Despite its robust appearance, Corydoras panda is sensitive to pollution. Regular water changes (20-30% per week) and appropriate filtration are essential for its well-being.

Aquarium maintenance

• Minimum recommended volume: 100 litres or more, with a good surface area.
• Substrate: fine, non-sharp sand (such as Loire sand) to protect their barbels.
• Decor: roots, smooth stones, dead leaves, low plants and hiding places
• Filtration: effective, but without too strong a current at the bottom
• Lighting: moderate, shaded areas appreciated

Absolutely avoid angular gravel, which can injure their barbels and encourage infection. Leave large areas of free sand so that they can dig to their heart's content.

Behaviour & cohabitation

Corydoras panda is a gregarious and very peaceful fish. It should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals, ideally more, to limit stress and observe natural behaviour.

• Character: calm, sociable, non-aggressive.
• Habitat: mainly the bottom of the tank, sometimes the lower third.
• Ideal mates: small characids, rasboras, calm viviparous fish, other corydoras, small loricarids.
• Avoid: large cichlids, aggressive or restless fish, bottom predators.

They are particularly endearing in groups, often seen foraging in the substrate or resting together on a root or leaf.

Diet

Omnivores with a tendency to micropredation, Corydoras panda feed mainly on the ground:

• Ground pellets: good quality tablets and flowable pellets.
• Frozen/live: artemia, daphnia, mud worms (in moderation), various larvae.
• Supplements: small portions of finely poached vegetables (courgette, cucumber) from time to time.

They will not be satisfied with "leftovers": it is essential to feed specifically to the bottom, especially in the presence of fast-moving open-water fish.

Reproduction in aquariums

Corydoras panda can be reproduced in aquariums by motivated aquarists. It is a substrate-laying fish that adopts the famous T-shaped behaviour typical of corydoras.

• Breeding tank: small dedicated tank with fine sand, plants and/or spawning mops.
• Trigger: cooler water changes simulating the rainy season, diet rich in live/frozen food.
• The female glues the eggs to windows, plants or decor; the adults may eat them.
• Remove the parents or transfer the eggs to a rearing tank to maximise the chances of survival.
• The fry feed on infusoria, then on freshly hatched artemia nauplia.

Aquabota advice

• Keep a large group to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
• Provide very fine sand and plenty of hiding places for maximum comfort.
• Choose fresh, clean, well-oxygenated water with low nitrate content.
• Feed specifically to the bottom, especially if the tank contains live fish in open water.

Quick facts

• Zoological Name: Corydoras panda
• Common name: Corydoras panda
• Origin: South America (Peru, high altitude rivers)
• Adult size: 4.5-5 cm
• Swimming zone: bottom
• Temperature: 20-25°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 °dGH
• Behaviour: gregarious, very peaceful
• Level of difficulty: easy to intermediate (requires good water quality)

Shipping & Delivery of live fish

Our Corydoras panda are prepared with the greatest care in our Aquabota fishroom. Each fish is selected, acclimatised and observed before shipping to ensure optimum health.

• Packaging: oxygenated bags, insulated in crates specially designed for transporting live fish.
• Transport: express delivery via specially adapted carriers, to keep time spent in transit to a minimum.
• Temperature: addition of heaters or ice packs depending on the season, to maintain a stable temperature.
• Arrival: an Aquabota acclimatisation guide accompanies you step by step to help you introduce your fish in the best possible conditions.

If you have any questions before or after placing your order, our Aquabota team will be happy to advise you on compatibility with your population, the choice of decor and the ideal parameters for your Panda Corydoras.