Panda Cory Catfish

Description

Looking for Panda Cory Catfish for sale? You’re in the right place! At LiveFishDirect.com, we offer premium Panda Cory Catfish, renowned for their striking black and white markings and gentle demeanor. Ideal for community tanks, these catfish are not just a delight to watch but also easy to care for. This guide covers everything you need to know to welcome and maintain Panda Cory Catfish in your aquarium.

Panda Corydoras, commonly known as Panda Cory Catfish, are intriguing and popular aquarium inhabitants, particularly suitable for beginner and intermediate fishkeepers due to their peaceful nature and manageable care requirements. Native to the tributaries of the Ucayali River system in Peru, these catfish thrive in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.0), with a preferred temperature range of 68-77°F (20-25°C)​ (Aquarium Whisperer)​.

Panda Corys are identified by their distinctive black and white markings, which mimic the appearance of a panda bear, contributing to their common name. They are small, growing to about 2 inches in length, and are covered with bony plates instead of scales, providing them some protection against predators​ (aquariume.com)​.

These catfish are known for their social and schooling nature. It’s recommended to keep them in groups of at least six to help them feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors. In the wild, they can be found in larger schools, particularly in areas with strong currents where they enjoy foraging along the sandy bottom​ (Fish Keeping Secrets)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

In terms of tank setup, Panda Corys require a soft, sandy substrate to protect their delicate barbels. The aquarium should be well-decorated with plants, caves, and driftwood to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spaces. Filtration should be efficient but not too powerful as they prefer gentler currents​ (Fish Laboratory)​​ (FishInAquarium)​.

Feeding Panda Corys involves a balanced diet of plant-based and meaty foods. They are omnivorous scavengers, often seen rummaging through the substrate for food particles. Their diet can include high-quality flake foods, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp​ (Aquarium Whisperer)​​ (Tankarium)​.

Breeding Panda Corys can also be quite rewarding. They require specific water conditions to breed, such as a drop in temperature and increased water changes to mimic the natural signals of the rainy season in their habitat. The breeding setup should include fine-leaved plants or spawning mops for egg deposition. After spawning, care should be taken to protect the eggs and fry, as they are particularly sensitive to water conditions​ (Aquarium Whisperer)​​ (Fish Laboratory)​.

Overall, Panda Corys make an excellent addition to community tanks due to their peaceful disposition and interesting behaviors. They interact well with other non-aggressive fish and can contribute to a dynamic and visually appealing aquarium environment.