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Panda Corydoras

Panda Corydoras

Breed InfoHabitatNutritionHealth

Origin

🇵🇪

Peru

Habitat Size

50-150 Liters

Water Type

Fresh Water

Water Temperature

22º-26ºC

Cost in India

₹80 - ₹150

Size

2 - 6 inches (Small)

Diet

Omnivore

Small fish with black and white markings rests on a rock in an aquarium with green plants
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 2 Dec 2025

Panda Corydoras (Hoplisoma panda) often called Panda Cory, are small, friendly catfish with pale bodies and three bold black marks — one across each eye and one near the tail — which look a bit like a panda’s face. They are very popular because they are active, funny to watch, and do a great job exploring the bottom of the tank. These tiny fish love to be in groups and often swim together, making the tank lively and cute.

Origin

  1. Panda Corydoras come from cool, fast-flowing rivers in South America — mainly parts of Peru and Ecuador
  2. They were first described by scientists in the 1971 and got their “panda” name because of their black eye patches

Temperament

  1. Very peaceful and shy
  2. Social — do best in groups (a school)
  3. Bottom-dwellers: they dig and search the sand for food
  4. Active but gentle with other fish

Compatibility

Panda Corydoras Good tankmates

  1. Small, calm community fish, like:
  2. Small tetras
  3. Rasboras
  4. Peaceful loaches
  5. Other non-aggressive bottom dwellers

Avoid

  1. Big, aggressive cichlids, very large fish, or fin-nippers
  2. They also prefer tankmates that tolerate slightly cooler water

Panda Corydoras Price in India

  1. Typical retail price in India: ₹100–₹350 per fish, depending on size and breeder

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

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Panda Corydoras Habitat requirements

Initial Setup Cost

₹4,000 - ₹12,000

Water Temperature

22º -26ºC

Water Type

Fresh Water

PH Level

6.5 - 7.5

Tank Type

  1. Freshwater community aquarium

Panda Corydoras Aquarium Size

  1. Minimum: 20 gallons for a small group, but larger is better
  2. Aim for at least a 40–60 cm (20+ liter) tank so a school of 6–8 can move comfortably
  3. Experts usually recommend keeping 6–8 or more together

Water Conditions

  1. Temperature: 21–25 °C (they prefer the cooler side of the tropical range)
  2. pH level: 6.0–7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic is best)
  3. Water hardness: 2 - 12 dGH, Soft to moderately hard (low mineral content like their native rivers)

Panda Corydoras Environment Needs

  1. Soft sand or very fine gravel (sharp substrate can damage their barbels).
  2. Provide plenty of plants, shaded areas, driftwood, and smooth hiding places
  3. They prefer gentle filtration and good oxygenation; they come from well-oxygenated waters, so clean water matters

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Decor

Panda Corydoras Nutritional Guide

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹80 - ₹ 150

Panda Corydoras Diet Type

  1. Omnivore

Suitable Foods

  1. Sinking pellets or wafers made for bottom feeders
  2. Frozen/live foods:
  3. Brine shrimp
  4. Bloodworms
  5. Daphnia
  6. Occasional veggie bites: blanched peas or tiny bits of cucumber
  7. They will also pick up leftover flakes from the substrate

Panda Corydoras Feeding Frequency & Tips

  1. Feed small amounts once or twice daily — only what they eat in 2–3 minutes
  2. Use sinking foods so the meal reaches the bottom quickly
  3. Keep substrate clean — uneaten food should be removed to avoid water-quality problems
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Health

Common Health Issues

White spot / ick

Fin rot

Fungus

Parasites

Bacterial infections

Swim bladder disease

Signs of good health

Undamaged fins

Active

Bright coloration

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Lethargic behaviour

Tattered fins

Dull coloring

Swimming abnormally

Panda Corydoras are hardy, and because they live near the bottom and have delicate barbels (whisker-like feelers), they are more prone to common health issues, such as:

Columnaris / Mouth and skin infections

Columnaris, a bacterial skin disease, causes pale areas, frayed fins, or small skin ulcers. Panda Corys are more likely to become infected under suboptimal water conditions or under stress. To treat, one must improve the water quality, raise the temperature a bit (if not detrimental to the species), and apply antibacterial fish medication as recommended. Quarantine infected fish, then keep the entire tank clean as a preventative measure.

Fin rot

Fin rot causes ragged or shredded fins. It can be caused by poor quality of water, or by very small wounds to the fin from coarsely grained substrate on the bottom of the tank, or aggressive fish. The best treatment is to strip and clean the tank, change water, and put in antibiotic treatment as per the package instructions. Fix the water chemistry, and remove aggressive fish to prevent recurrence.

Barbel erosion

Panda Corydoras use their barbels to recognize and explore their surroundings. Rough gravel or substrate can damage these. This leads to infection or injury. Signs of damage include frayed and missing barbels on them. Fine sand is the immediate solution if barbels look infected; improve water quality and use antibacterial or antifungal medicine in a quarantine tank. Prevention (soft sand + a clean tank) is best.

Panda Corydoras General health tips

  1. Regularly change a small amount of the water (20-30% weekly), gently filter, and feed small amounts to keep the tank clean and free of waste
  2. Panda Corydoras do best in groups of six or more in order to avoid stress
  3. Watch for rapid temperature changes in water
  4. A new fish needs quarantine before stocking into the main tank to avoid introducing disease


Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

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Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Panda Corydoras should be kept together?

Panda Corydoras are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals or more. Keeping them in bigger groups promotes natural activities like foraging and schooling while also lowering stress levels.

Do Panda Corydoras require specific tank decorations?

Panda Corydoras benefit from having lots of hiding places, such as caves, driftwood, and live plants. These ornaments encourage their wellbeing and natural habits by providing security and imitating their natural surroundings.

Are Panda Corydoras suitable for beginners?

Yes, because of their calm temperament, ease of maintenance, and ability to withstand a variety of water conditions, panda corydoras are excellent first aquarium pets. But it's crucial to keep the water clean and give them with an appropriate home.