Basic Requirements and Ideal Conditions for Panda Corys
Panda Corys (Corydoras panda) are small, peaceful fish native to the Rio Pachitea in Peru. They thrive in clean, stable, and well-decorated aquariums with plenty of cover and soft substrate.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 22 – 28°C (71.6 – 82.4°F)
pH: 5.8 – 7.8
General Hardness (dGH): 4 – 18 °N
Filtration: Strongly recommended – Panda Corys are sensitive to unstable water conditions
Tank Size and Grouping
Minimum group size: 6 (ideally 10–15 for natural behavior)
Minimum tank size: 10 gallons (37 liters) for a group of 10
Important: Never keep Panda Corys alone – they are social and require a group to thrive
Substrate and Decoration
Substrate: Soft sand or very fine gravel (max 3–4 mm)
Safety: Avoid sharp edges – their barbels are delicate and easily damaged
Hiding places: Include caves, driftwood, and dense planting for cover and comfort