Gold Panda Corydoras (No Online Purchases)

Gold Panda Corydoras (In Store Pickup Only)

The "Gold Panda Corydoras" is a variant of the well-known Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda). While the classic Panda Corydoras has a cream-colored body with distinctive black patches (around the eyes, on the dorsal fin, and at the base of the tail), the "Gold Panda" typically exhibits a more pronounced yellow or golden hue to its body coloration. This can vary from a subtle golden sheen to a more intense yellow, often with the same characteristic black markings.

Appearance:

Body Coloration: The defining feature is a golden or yellowish body, often more vibrant than the standard cream colour of a regular Panda Corydoras.

Markings: They retain the "panda" markings: a black patch over the eyes (like a bandit's mask), a prominent black spot on the dorsal fin, and usually another black spot at the caudal peduncle (base of the tail).

Size: They are small corydoras, typically reaching about 2-2.2 inches (5-5.5 cm) in length. Females tend to be slightly larger and rounder than males.

Lifespan:
With proper care, Gold Panda Corydoras can live for a good amount of time, often 5 to 10 years, and sometimes even exceeding 15 years in well-maintained aquariums.

Tank Requirements:

Tank Size: A minimum of 10-15 gallons (37-57 liters) is recommended for a small school, but larger tanks are always better for stability and a more natural environment.

Substrate: Crucially, they need a soft, fine substrate like sand or very smooth, fine gravel. Their delicate barbels are used for foraging, and rough or sharp substrate can damage them, leading to infection.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 20-25°C. They generally prefer slightly cooler water than many tropical fish, reflecting their natural habitat in the Rio Pachitea in Peru.

pH: 6.0 – 7.8 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal).

Hardness: 4 – 18 °N dGH (soft to moderately hard).

Water Quality: Like all corydoras, they are very sensitive to poor water quality. Zero ammonia and nitrites, and low nitrates are paramount. Regular, frequent water changes are essential.

Decor: Provide plenty of hiding spots and cover. Driftwood, smooth rocks, caves, and dense live plants are highly appreciated. Floating plants can also help dim the light, making them feel more secure.

Filtration: A good filtration system that provides gentle flow is important. Avoid strong currents that can stress them.

Diet:
Gold Panda Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders. They are not effective algae eaters and need a varied diet that reaches the bottom of the tank.

High-quality sinking pellets, wafers, or granules formulated for catfish.

Frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex worms.

Live foods like blackworms and microworms.

Occasionally, blanched vegetables.
Ensure they get enough food, especially if kept with faster-eating tank mates. Feeding in the evening, when they are more active, can be beneficial.

Behavior and Compatibility:

Temperament: Extremely peaceful and non-aggressive. They are excellent community fish.

Schooling: This is non-negotiable for their well-being! Gold Panda Corydoras are highly social and must be kept in groups. A minimum of 6 individuals is recommended, but a larger school of 10-15 will make them much more confident, active, and display more natural behaviors.

Tank Mates: Compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized community fish that prefer similar water parameters. Good tank mates include small tetras (e.g., Neon, Cardinal, Ember), rasboras, small peaceful gouramis, dwarf cichlids, and other small, non-aggressive species. Avoid large, aggressive, or fin-nipping fish.

Activity:They are active bottom dwellers, constantly sifting through the substrate with their barbels in search of food. They are generally active during the day, with heightened activity at dawn and dusk. They will occasionally dart to the surface for a gulp of air, which is normal.

Breeding:
Breeding Gold Panda Corydoras in a home aquarium is achievable.

Sexing: Females are typically larger and noticeably plumper, especially when carrying eggs. Males are usually more slender.

Conditioning: Feed a varied, protein-rich diet of live and frozen foods.

Triggering Spawning: Mimicking their natural rainy season conditions often triggers spawning. This involves:

Performing large, cool water changes (e.g., 25-50% with water a few degrees cooler than the tank).

Providing plenty of live or frozen foods.

A slight drop in barometric pressure (often before or during rain) can also be a trigger.

Spawning Behavior: Spawning usually occurs in the "T-position" where the female collects sperm from the male in her mouth and then deposits sticky eggs (often 10-15 at a time) on tank surfaces, plants, or decor.

Egg and Fry Care: Corydoras parents (and other fish) will often eat their own eggs. For higher fry survival, it's best to remove the eggs to a separate breeding tank or remove the adult fish after spawning. Eggs typically hatch in 2-6 days. Fry are very small and can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or microworms. Pristine water quality is vital for fry.

The Gold Panda Corydoras is a charming and hardy fish when its specific needs are met, making it a delightful addition to a peaceful community aquarium.