Panda Cory

The panda cory takes its name from the panda because of the black band covering its eye, its black dorsal fin and the black patch on its caudal peduncle, all on a white-pink body. At 4–5 cm it is suitable for small aquariums. Captive-bred fish are common today and are hardy.

It lives over sandy bottoms in clear, relatively cool streams with moderate current in the foothills of the Andes in Peru.

• Volume: at least 60 liters for a group of 6–8; footprint matters.
• Substrate: fine, rounded sand is essential.
• Water: 21–24°C; cooler than many tropical species. It likes oxygen-rich water and gentle flow; constantly above 26°C its lifespan is shortened.

Sinking tablets and granules, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Sinking food given in the evening reduces competition with fast fish.

Extremely peaceful; it does not bother fish or shrimp.

Good companions: neon tetra, harlequin rasbora, galaxy rasbora (celestial pearl danio), zebra danio, otocinclus, shrimp.

Avoid: cichlids that claim the bottom, species that need warm water (discus), large and boisterous fish.

At least 6, ideally 8 or more panda corys. A large group roams together and is much more active. Mixed groups with bronze corys can form, but each species is more at ease with its own kind. For breeding, 2 males to each female.

A large, cool water change often triggers spawning. The female sticks the fertilized eggs one by one to the glass and leaves. The eggs hatch in 4–5 days; since the adults may eat them, they can be moved to a separate container.

Barbel erosion (sharp substrate, dirty sand), weakened immunity in warm water. It is sensitive to salt and some medications.

Viewed from above, females are clearly broader and plumper; males are smaller and slimmer.