Panda Corydora

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Corydora Hastatus
• Common Name: Panda Corydora, Panda Cory
• Adult Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (3.5 to 5 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 5 to 10 years with proper care
• Habitat:
  • Native to the Upper Amazon River Basin in Peru and Ecuador

  • Found in cooler, slow-moving streams and tributaries with sandy or muddy substrates

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 15–20 gallons (best kept in groups of 6 or more for social behavior)
• Ideal Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful, social, and shy
  Ideal for community tanks with other small, peaceful fish

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous bottom-dweller
• Feed with:
  • Sinking pellets or wafers
  • Frozen or live foods (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp)
  • Blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber

• Should be fed once or twice daily, with food reaching the bottom of the tank

Breeding & Spawning

• Egg layers; will breed in well-maintained aquariums with cooler water changes
• Spawning often occurs after a partial cool water change
• Females lay sticky eggs on flat surfaces, glass, or leaves

• Eggs hatch in 3–5 days, and fry can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food

Appearance

• Creamy white to pale pink body with distinct black markings:
  • Black patch over the eyes (like a panda)
  • Black spot near the tail

  • Black dorsal fin

Distinctive Features

• Small, active bottom-dwellers that keep tanks clean
• Their “panda” mask-like marking is iconic and adorable
• Must be kept in groups—highly social and thrive in numbers

• Sensitive to poor water conditions, so excellent filtration and regular maintenance are key