CORYDORAS PANDA 3.5cm

Panda cory (Corydoras panda, also listed as Hoplisoma panda) is a small, peaceful South American bottom-dweller. Its cream body, black “mask” over the eyes, and dark blotch at the base of the tail give it its name. They sift constantly with their barbels. Keep the sand clean — they live in the dirt layer, so mud sitting there is a problem. They gulp air at the surface now and then — that is normal for the family, not a sign they are drowning. A lid is useful because they can jump when startled. School of 6+ pandas, not 2–3. Stay at or below ~25 °C.

That is the whole species in practice: small, social, sand-sifting, and cooler than a typical “tropical community” heater setting. Get those four things right, and they are straightforward.

IMPORTANT: Sustained warmth shortens life and makes them sluggish. The bigger risk is a tank that sits at 26–28 °C with tetras or discus.

Ich — white specks. Treat carefully; do not slam them to 30 °C.

TANK SET UP: A long footprint matters more than height. Fine sand is the standard. Decorate with driftwood, leaf litter, smooth rocks, and plants (Java fern, Anubias, mosses) to give cover and break sight lines. They like open sand to forage, plus shaded spots to rest.

TANK MATE:

Good matches share cool-to-moderate temps and a calm temperament:

• Small tetras: neon, ember, rummy-nose, glowlight

• Rasboras (harlequin, lambchop)

• Honey / sparkling gouramis

• Other small cories (give each species its own group of 6+)

• Otocinclus, bristlenose (in a big enough tank)

• Cherry / Amano shrimp and most snails

• A peaceful betta can work if the betta ignores the bottom

FILTRATION: Use a mature filter; avoid undergravel filters—aim for moderate, well-oxygenated flow.

MAINTENANCE: Ammonia/nitrite: 0 ppm. Nitrate ideally 20–30 ppm or less. Weekly 25–40% changes

FEEDING: Feed what actually reaches the bottom.

• Daily staple: sinking micro pellets or cory tablets

• 2–3× a week: frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia

• Occasional veggie matter (blanched zucchini, quality wafers)

Feed after lights-dim, or drop food in a few spots so midwater fish don’t steal it all. Skip the “they’ll eat the leftovers” plan.