[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda)

The Panda Corydoras is a pink-bodied fish with three black blotches: one extends from the top of the head through the eye and onto the cheek, the second occupies most of the dorsal fin, and the third is located on the caudal peduncle. Two naturally occurring morphs are recognized, depending on the size of this last blotch: Big-spot and Small-spot.

Family

• Callichthyidae

Subfamily

• Corydoradinae

Distribution

• Ucayali River system (Peru).

Size

• Up to 2in (5cm) reported, but usually smaller.

Behavior

• Peaceful shoaler; looks impressive in a group.

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted, particularly bottom-dwelling livefoods and sinking commercial formulations.

Aquarium

• Well planted, with open swimming areas, and fine-grained substratum. Water chemistry not critical, but excessively acid conditions must be avoided. Temperature range: 72-79 F (22-26 C); avoid prolonged exposure to lower temperatures.

Breeding

• More challenging than C. aneus. Female swallows the male’s sperm and releases them from her gut onto her cupped pelvic fins, into which she has already released a few eggs. She deposits these adhesive eggs on a surface, where they will hatch 5-6 days later, depending on temperature.