Panda Cory

Panda Cory, scientifically known as Hoplisoma panda, is a compact and highly popular freshwater catfish admired for its panda-like eye patch and contrasting black markings. Its calm nature, active bottom-foraging behaviour, and manageable adult size make it a favourite for community aquariums, planted tanks, and beginner-friendly setups. Best kept in groups, Panda Corys feel more secure and display more natural behaviour when housed with their own kind.

This species is ideal for aquarists who want a gentle scavenger that adds movement to the lower levels of the aquarium without troubling other fish. Panda Corys do best in clean, well-oxygenated water and appreciate soft sand or smooth fine gravel that protects their sensitive barbels while they search for food.

Key Features

• Appearance: Distinctive cream-white to pale silver body with bold black patches over the eyes, dorsal area, and tail base, giving the classic panda look.
• Size: Usually sold as small juveniles and typically grows to around 4 to 5 cm as an adult.
• Colors: Soft light body tone with strong black patterning that stands out beautifully in planted and natural aquariums.
• Lifespan: With stable water quality and proper feeding, Panda Corys can live around 5 years or more.
• Temperament: Very peaceful, social, and non-aggressive; best maintained in groups of at least 5 to 6.
• Water Type: Freshwater species suited to tropical community tanks with stable parameters.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A tank of at least 45 to 60 litres is recommended for a small group, with more space preferred for mixed community setups.
• Water Parameters: Ideal temperature is 22 to 26°C with pH around 6.5 to 7.5. Clean, well-filtered water and regular water changes are important.
• Diet: Omnivorous bottom feeder that accepts sinking pellets, catfish wafers, micro granules, frozen foods, and occasional live treats like bloodworms or daphnia.
• Tank Mates: Suitable with tetras, rasboras, guppies, mollies, peaceful gouramis, small loaches, and other non-aggressive community fish.
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth rounded gravel is strongly recommended to avoid damage to barbels and encourage natural foraging behaviour.
• Care Tips: Avoid keeping them singly, maintain good oxygenation, and do not rely on leftover food alone. Feed specifically for bottom-dwelling fish, especially in busy community tanks.

Panda Cory is an excellent addition to aquariums where peaceful behaviour, easy compatibility, and attractive bottom-level activity are desired. For best long-term health, introduce them only into mature, cycled tanks and keep them in a proper group rather than as a single specimen or pair.