Panda Cory Cat

General information

They have a cream body with a black mark over each eye, looking like a panda hence the common name “ Panda Cory”, they also have a black mark at the base of the dorsal fin and at the base of the anal fin. They can reach 2.5 inches. Corys are facultative air breathers, they often go to the surface for a gulp of air so there should be some space between the aquarium’s cover and the water surface, they also tilt their eyes looking as if they were blinking. To keep these fish in captivity, water pH should be between 5.8 and 7.0 and water temperature should range from 72ºF to 79ºF. The tank should have a sandy substrate, it should be well planted and have many hiding places. Panda Corys are peaceful and can be kept in a community aquarium with other peaceful species like small characins or cyprinids. These fish should be kept in groups of at least 5.

This species is omnivorous. They can be fed with catfish sinking pellets. Their diet should be supplemented with live food like bloodworm or brine shrimp. They are nocturnal so they should be fed at lights out.

Mature females are larger and wider than males.

To breed this species in captivity, water temperature should be around 75ºF and water pH should be around 6.5. Having a group of 2 males per female is recommended. As soon as the females get full of eggs, water changes for cooler water with increased oxygenation should be performed. The adults will eat the eggs so once the eggs are fertilized, the adults should be removed. The eggs take 3 to 5 days to hatch.

This species can be found in the Upper Amazon basin in South America.

Sharp or large gravel shouldn’t be used as substrate because it can hurt their barbels.

Salt should never be added to a tank with these fish. Cory Pandas are scaleless fish and so they are extremely sensitive to salt.

Corys have hardened pectoral spines that can pierce through human skin so they should not be handled carelessly, also, these spines tend to get entangled in the mesh of a net so when they need to be moved, a plastic container should be used.