Panda Cory Longfin

fish description – Longfin Panda Cory Catfish Care Guide ($Corydoras\ panda$ ‘Longfin’ Strain)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Corydoras\ panda$ (‘Longfin’ Strain)
Common Name	Longfin Panda Cory, Panda Catfish
Origin	Ucayali River system (Peru & Ecuador) (Tank-Bred Strain)
Adult Size	2 inches (5 cm)
Temperament	Very peaceful, social, active bottom-dweller
Lifespan	5–10 years
Care Level	Intermediate (due to fin and water quality sensitivity)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: This delightful, tiny catfish retains the Panda Cory’s signature light pink/tan body, black eye mask, and black spot at the tail base, but features elongated, flowing fins. They are constant foragers and highly animated when kept in a group.
• Coloration: Body is light tan/pinkish, accented by the three black patches (eye, dorsal fin, caudal peduncle). Females are larger, wider, and have rounder bodies, especially when viewed from above. Males are slimmer and slightly smaller.
• Fins: The characteristic feature is the elongated dorsal and pectoral fins. These beautiful fins are susceptible to damage from sharp substrate or bacterial infection due to poor water quality.
• Behavior: Highly sociable and should be kept in large schools to reduce stress. They are bottom-dwellers, actively using their sensitive barbels to forage (“sift”) food from the substrate. They will dart to the surface for air.

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a school of 6 or more, providing ample floor space for foraging. A lid is required as they dart to the surface.
• Schooling: Must be kept in schools of at least 6 individuals; 10–15 is ideal to encourage confident, natural schooling behavior.
• Temperature: Cooler Tropical range: $72^\circ$–$77^\circ\text{F}\ (22^\circ$–$25^\circ\text{C})$. They prefer slightly cooler water than most tropical community fish.
• pH Level: Soft, neutral to slightly acidic water is preferred: 6.5 to 7.5. They are sensitive to high nitrates and fluctuating water parameters, making pristine water quality essential.
• Aquascape: Fine, soft sand substrate is mandatory to protect their long fins and delicate barbels. Provide plenty of cover with dense planting, driftwood, and caves. Gentle water flow is recommended, avoiding strong, chaotic currents that stress their fins.

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Diet and Feeding

 

The Longfin Panda Cory is an omnivorous scavenger requiring small, sinking foods.

• Staple Diet: Should be specifically fed high-quality sinking pellets, wafers, or granules (algae or meat-based).
• Supplementation: A varied diet, including protein, is vital. Offer live or frozen meaty foods regularly: Frozen Bloodworms, Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, and Tubifex worms.
• Schedule: Feed once daily, or twice in small portions, preferably in the evening to ensure they get enough food without being out-competed by fast-swimming fish.

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Their long fins make them a potential target for fin-nippers; avoid boisterous fish like Tiger Barbs. Coarse or sharp substrate is strictly prohibited. May eat dwarf shrimp fry.
• Good Tank Mates: Nearly all small, peaceful, community fish that occupy the middle and top levels. Examples include Tetras (Neon, Rummy Nose, Ember), Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili), Dwarf Gouramis, and non-aggressive Dwarf Cichlids.