The Panda Cory Catfish for sale (Corydoras panda) is one of the most popular peaceful bottom-feeding fish for community aquariums. Known for their striking black-and-white “panda” pattern and active schooling behavior, these small cory catfish are perfect for planted tanks, nano setups, and shrimp-safe aquariums.
Panda corys thrive in groups and spend their time exploring the substrate, helping keep your tank clean while adding constant movement and personality. If you’re looking for a hardy, beginner-friendly fish that pairs well with other peaceful species, Panda Cory Catfish are an excellent choice.
Panda Corys should always be kept in groups of 6 or more for best health and natural behavior.
Yes — Panda Cory Catfish are an excellent choice for beginners, especially for those building a peaceful community aquarium.
They are known for their gentle temperament, active behavior, and strong compatibility with other fish, making them one of the easiest bottom dwellers to keep successfully.
Here’s why they are beginner-friendly:
When you order Panda Cory Catfish from The Shrimp Farm, you’re getting more than just fish—you’re getting carefully selected, healthy livestock backed by expert care and industry-leading shipping practices.
Here’s why hobbyists across the country trust us:
Please note: Fish must be shipped via Express Shipping ONLY due to the safety of the fish.
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Corydoras Panda, also known as the Panda Cory, is an animated, uniquely marked schooling fish that is perfect for the community and planted aquarium due to their peaceful behavior. These fish are appreciated by shrimp keepers because they tend to get along with shrimp as long as they are well fed. They are sold at a size of 1.5-2 inches and will grow to around 2 - 2.5 inches in most cases.
Panda Corys are typically very peaceful - we recommend keeping them in a school of 6 or more in order to thrive.
A varied diet is the key to healthy Panda Corys. A high-quality flake, pellet and wafer foods as well as frozen foods such as bloodworms are ideal. Find out more about the Panda Cory in The Shrimp Farm University.
Panda Corys are an excellent addition to any planted tank as well as tanks with other nano fish or adult shrimp since they do not eat live plants and are typically safe to keep with other fish/shrimp.
Panda Corys prefer soft, slightly acidic water and cooler temps
When comparing Panda Cory Catfish (Corydoras panda) to other popular corydoras species, it’s easy to see why they are one of the most sought-after bottom-dwelling fish in the hobby.
Panda corys stand out for their unique black-and-white pattern, smaller adult size, and highly peaceful temperament. They are especially popular in nano and planted aquariums where space and compatibility matter.
Here’s how they compare to other common cory catfish:
Overall, Panda Cory Catfish are one of the best choices for aquarists looking for a peaceful, visually striking, and compact bottom feeder that thrives in community setups.
Looking for the perfect bottom feeder? Explore our full selection of corydoras catfish to find the best fit for your aquarium.
| Feature | Panda Cory | Sterbai Cory | Julii Cory | Albino Cory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras panda | Corydoras sterbai | Corydoras trilineatus | Corydoras aeneus (albino) |
| Adult Size | ~2 inches | 2.5–3 inches | ~2.5 inches | 2.5–3 inches |
| Temperament | Very peaceful | Peaceful, slightly more active | Peaceful | Very peaceful |
| Best For Tank Size | Nano tanks (10–20 gal) | 20+ gallons | 15–20+ gallons | 20+ gallons |
| Water Temperature | 68–75°F (prefers cooler) | 75–82°F (warmer) | 72–78°F | 72–80°F |
| Appearance | Black & white “panda” pattern | Orange fins with spotted body | Maze-like spotted pattern | Solid pale/white with red eyes |
| Beginner Friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Activity Level | Moderate, schooling | High, very active | Moderate | Moderate |
| Visual Appeal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Best Use Case | Planted nano/community tanks | Larger, warmer community tanks | Versatile community tanks | Hardy beginner setups |
They will grow to between 2-3 inches typically.
We recommend no less than 2 fish per gallon (mininum of 5 gallon tank). They thrive in numbers of 6 or more. They become more peaceful and colorful in larger numbers.
5-8 years is the average lifespan of a Panda Cory.
Breeding Panda Corys is relatively easy with the right water parameters.
Panda Corys will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of mostly carnivorous foods. High-quality flake, pellet and wafer foods as well as frozen foods such as bloodworms.
Panda Corys, in general, are incredibly peaceful fish and get along with other fish AND adult shrimp. We recommend keeping Panda Corys in numbers of 6 or more because they are known to thrive when schooling together.
Feel free to add shrimp, Dwarf Orange Crayfish, snails, and other peaceful fish to your tank with them. They also LOVE planted tanks due to extra nutrients and hiding places.
When adding new tankmates to your already existing tank, it is important to take the proper steps in introducing and acclimating them into their new home. The whole process is extremely stressful for the fish. Acclimation is important for fish as it allows them time to adjust to the temperature and parameters of their new environment. By doing this correctly, you will reduce the chances of shock or death of your new crayfish. We recommend drip acclimation for fish as it is generally the best option to adjust them slowly to your tank. You can find our Premium Drip Acclimation Kit here.
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