Longfin Panda Corydoras (In Store Pick Up Only)
The Longfin Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda var. longfin) is a selectively bred variation of the popular Panda Corydoras. What distinguishes them is their elongated and flowing dorsal, pectoral, and sometimes caudal fins, which add a graceful elegance to their movements. Otherwise, their care requirements and characteristic "panda" markings (black patches around the eyes, on the dorsal fin, and at the base of the tail) are similar to the standard short-finned variety.
Appearance:
Distinctive Fins:The most noticeable feature is their exaggerated fins. These can be particularly stunning, especially when they are actively swimming.
Body Colouration: Typically, they have a creamy or off-white body with the characteristic black markings resembling a giant panda. Some may exhibit a subtle golden or yellowish tint, similar to the "Gold Panda" variant, if those genes are also present in their lineage.
Size:They are small corydoras, reaching about 2-2.2 inches (5-5.5 cm) in body length, excluding the fins. The long fins can make them appear larger.
Lifespan:
With optimal care, Longfin Panda Corydoras can live for 5 to 10 years, with some anecdotal reports of them living even longer in very stable and well-maintained environments.
Tank Requirements:
Tank Size: A minimum of 57-75 litres is recommended for a school of these fish. Due to their longer fins, they may appreciate a bit more swimming space than their short-finned counterparts to prevent fin damage, particularly if the tank is heavily decorated. A tank with a larger footprint (length and width) is always better than a tall, narrow one for bottom dwellers.
Substrate: This is paramount for all corydoras, but especially for longfin varieties. A soft, fine sand substrate is essential. Coarse or sharp gravel can easily damage their delicate barbels, leading to infection and loss of their foraging ability. It can also cause abrasions on their longer fins.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C). They generally prefer the cooler end of the tropical range.
pH: 6.0 – 7.8 (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal).
Hardness: 4 – 18 °N dGH (soft to moderately hard).
Water Quality:Pristine water quality is critical. Longfin varieties, due to their elaborate fins, can be slightly more susceptible to fin rot if water conditions are not maintained. Regular, frequent water changes (10-25% weekly) are highly recommended. Excellent filtration (e.g., sponge filter, hang-on-back with pre-filter sponge) is also key to preventing detritus buildup.
Decor: Provide ample hiding spots and visual breaks with driftwood, smooth rocks, caves, and live plants. Densely planted areas make them feel secure, while open sandy patches allow for foraging. Ensure decorations do not have sharp edges that could tear their fins.
Filtration: A gentle but effective filtration system is necessary. Avoid strong currents that can stress these fish and make it difficult for them to swim with their longer fins.
Diet:
Longfin Panda Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders. They require a varied diet to ensure good health and fin development.
High-quality sinking pellets, wafers, or granules designed for catfish.
Frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex worms.
Live foods such as blackworms and microworms.
Occasionally, blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach).
Ensure enough food reaches the bottom, especially in community tanks where faster-eating fish might consume everything before it sinks. Feeding after the main tank lights are dimmed can help.
Behavior and Compatibility:
Temperament: Longfin Panda Corydoras are exceptionally peaceful and non-aggressive, making them ideal for community tanks.
Schooling: Like all corydoras, they are highly social and thrive in groups. A minimum of 6 individuals of the same species (Panda Corydoras, including shortfin or other variants) is crucial for their well-being. Larger schools (10+) will result in more confident and natural behavior.
Tank Mates: They are compatible with most other peaceful, similarly sized fish that prefer similar water conditions. Good tank mates include small tetras (e.g., Neon, Ember, Rummy Nose), rasboras, small peaceful gouramis, dwarf cichlids (e.g., German Blue Rams, Bolivian Rams), and small, peaceful loaches. Avoid any large, aggressive, or fin-nipping species that could stress or harm their delicate fins.
Activity:They are active bottom dwellers, constantly sifting through the substrate. Their longer fins add an extra element of grace to their movements as they explore the tank. They will occasionally dart to the surface for a gulp of air, which is normal for corydoras.
Breeding:
Breeding Longfin Panda Corydoras is similar to breeding the standard Panda Corydoras.
Sexing:Females are generally larger and noticeably rounder, especially when conditioned for breeding. Males are slimmer and typically have more pointed dorsal fins.
Conditioning: Feed them a rich diet of live and frozen foods to bring them into breeding condition.
Triggering Spawning:Mimicking the rainy season in their natural habitat is the most effective trigger. This involves:
Performing large, cool water changes (e.g., 25-50% with water 2-5°C cooler than the tank).
Ensuring excellent water quality.
A drop in barometric pressure (often associated with rain) can also encourage spawning.
Spawning Behavior:They will engage in the typical "T-position" where the female collects sperm and then deposits sticky eggs (often single or small clusters) on tank surfaces, plants, or decor.
Egg and Fry Care: Corydoras are known to eat their own eggs and fry. For higher fry survival, it's best to remove the eggs to a separate breeding tank or remove the adults after spawning. Methylene blue can be used in the hatching tank to help prevent fungus on the eggs. Eggs typically hatch in 2-6 days. Fry are tiny and require microscopic foods like infusoria for the first few days, transitioning to baby brine shrimp and microworms as they grow. Maintain pristine water quality in the fry tank.
The Longfin Panda Corydoras is a captivating and rewarding fish for any aquarist looking for a peaceful and visually stunning addition to their freshwater community aquarium. Their unique finnage requires careful attention to substrate and water quality to ensure they thrive.
