Corydoras panda is a species of catfish belonging to the genus Corydoras, of the family Callichthyidae, and is a native member of the riverine fauna of South America. It is found in Peru and Ecuador, most notably in the Huanaco region, where it inhabits the Rio Aquas, the Rio Amarillae, a tributary of the Rio Pachitea, and the Rio Ucayali river system.
Details
| Type | Catfish |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Species | Corydoras panda |
| Synonyms | |
| Origins | Upper Amazon River Basin, Peru. Most specimens offered for sale in the aquatics trade are captive-bred. |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Females grow slightly larger and appear wider when viewed from above. Males are slimmer. |
| Length | 5.0 cm |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Temperature | 21 - 27 deg C |
| Water parameters | pH 6.0 - 7.4, dH 2 - 15 |
Care
Panda Corydoras is an ideal catfish for the mature community aquarium. Must be kept on a soft sand substrate and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to shoaling nature. Some shady planted areas should be provided. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. It may do this numerous times per day.Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.Breeding
Mature pairs can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. The pair will adopt the classic ‘T position’ where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the female’s pelvic fins. The adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, décor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs generally take 4-5 days to hatch after which time the tiny fry should be offered finely powdered first foods. A few days later they will be able to take newly hatched brineshrimp. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited.
