Panda Corydoras

Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda) is one of the most popular and instantly recognizable corydoras in the hobby. The pale cream to pinkish-white body is marked with three bold black patches — one over each eye like a panda's mask, one covering the dorsal fin and shoulder, and one at the base of the tail — creating a clean, graphic pattern that is both distinctive and charming.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Sinking Wafers make an excellent daily staple and Sera Vipachips Tropical Wafers are an excellent alternative. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms. Feed near the substrate at lights-out for best results.

Native to the upper Rio Ucayali drainage in Peru, Panda Corydoras inhabit cool, fast-flowing, clear streams with sandy substrate. They prefer slightly cooler water than many other corydoras — an important consideration when choosing tankmates. They are active during both day and night.

Keep in groups of at least six — this is not optional for Corydoras. In the wild these fish occur in schools of dozens to hundreds. A lone Corydoras or a group of fewer than six is a stressed fish that stays hidden, refuses food, and lives a shortened life. In a proper group they are bold, constantly active, and endlessly entertaining to watch as they forage together across the bottom of the aquarium.

Corydoras are highly sensitive to substrate quality — fine sand is strongly preferred over gravel, as rough substrates damage the delicate barbels they use to forage. Regular partial water changes and pristine water quality are essential, as all Corydoras are sensitive to nitrites and dissolved waste. Sand substrate, gentle flow, and shaded areas with driftwood or plants will keep this species at its happiest and most active.

Care & Ideal Parameters