How long do Panda Corydoras live?
Panda Corydoras live 5 or more years with good care. They prefer cooler, very stable water and reward clean, mature tanks.
What do Panda Corydoras eat?
Feed sinking pellets, wafers, and frozen/live foods like bloodworms and daphnia; do not rely on leftovers. Overfeeding and a flake-only diet are the usual mistakes.
Tank size and water parameters
A 15-20 gallon (57-75 L) tank suits a group of 6. Target 68-77°F (20-25°C), pH 6.0-7.0, soft to moderate water, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 20 ppm. Keep in groups of 6+ on smooth sand.
Common mistakes with Panda Corydoras
Key errors: warm water above their comfort range; sharp substrate damaging barbels; too small a group; and ammonia/nitrite spikes they tolerate poorly.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Running them too warm — pandas prefer cooler 68-77°F water.
- Sharp gravel — protects barbels only with sand or smooth substrate.
- A lone cory — they need a school of 6+.
- Poor water quality — they are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite.