Product Details

Albino Panda Cory – Hoplisoma panda

Overview:

The Albino Panda Cory is a charming captive-bred form of the much-loved Panda Cory, offering the same small size, peaceful nature and busy bottom-dwelling behaviour in a pale albino colour form. Known historically as Corydoras panda, this little armoured catfish is ideal for peaceful community aquariums where it can be kept in a proper group over soft sand. Although hardy once settled, it should not be treated as a clean-up fish; it needs targeted feeding, clean water and the company of its own kind.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Albino Panda Cory
Other Names: Albino Panda Corydoras, Albino Panda Catfish, Panda Cory, Panda Corydoras, Panda Catfish, Corydoras panda
Scientific Name: Hoplisoma panda
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish / Armoured Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

The albino form is captive-bred, but the wild Panda Cory comes from the upper Amazon basin in South America. It is especially associated with Peruvian waters, including clear, oxygen-rich streams and tributaries influenced by cooler Andean conditions. In nature, these fish are found over soft sand, fine gravel and leaf-littered margins where they forage in groups. FishBase lists Hoplisoma panda from the upper Amazon River basin and gives a freshwater, demersal habitat profile.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Albino Panda Corys have a compact, rounded Cory-type body with bony armour plates, short barbels and a soft pinkish-white to cream body colour. The eyes are typically red or pink due to the albino trait, and the strong black “panda” markings of the wild form are reduced or absent. Adults are small, usually around 4–5 cm, with females often becoming slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males. FishBase lists the species at around 3.8 cm standard length, which is roughly consistent with a small adult Cory-type catfish in aquarium care.

Aquarium Suitability:

This is an excellent bottom-dwelling species for a peaceful, mature freshwater community aquarium. Albino Panda Corys suit planted tanks, soft-water communities and calm aquariums with open sandy areas for foraging. They are not suitable for sharp gravel, aggressive tank mates or brand-new aquariums with unstable water quality. A soft substrate is especially important because they spend much of their time searching the bottom with their delicate barbels.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a small group, with 75–90 litres or more preferred for a larger group in a community setup. Floor space matters more than height, so choose an aquarium with a good footprint and plenty of open substrate.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 20–25°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; adaptable if stable
Additional Notes: Panda Corys prefer cooler tropical conditions rather than very warm aquariums. Provide clean, well-oxygenated water, gentle to moderate flow and regular maintenance. Avoid long-term temperatures near 28–30°C, as these are better suited to warmer species such as German Rams rather than Panda Corys. FishBase gives a temperature range of 20–25°C, pH 6.0–8.0 and hardness 2–25 dH.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Albino Panda Corys are peaceful, social and best kept with other calm fish. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, small peaceful barbs, Endlers, small livebearers in compatible water, Otocinclus, peaceful dwarf cichlids in cooler setups and other gentle community fish.

Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping fish, large predators and very boisterous bottom dwellers that may outcompete or stress them. They should be kept in a group of at least 6, with 8 or more strongly preferred. A proper group gives them confidence and encourages natural foraging and resting behaviour.

Feeding:

Albino Panda Corys are omnivores and must be fed directly. Offer fine sinking catfish pellets, small bottom-feeder tablets, micro granules and quality sinking foods as the staple. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, bloodworm and finely chopped tubifex. They will pick up leftover food, but they should never be expected to survive only on scraps from other fish.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends most of its time on the lower levels, moving in short bursts across the sand and resting under plants, wood or shaded areas. Groups often forage together and may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, which is normal for Cory-type catfish. In good condition, they may breed in the aquarium, with eggs placed on glass, leaves or décor after courtship activity.

Care Notes:

Use soft sand or very smooth fine gravel to protect the barbels. Keep the substrate clean without over-sterilising the aquarium, as trapped waste in dirty gravel can cause infections. Add only to a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality. Keep them in groups, avoid very warm tropical communities and make sure food reaches the bottom. Like many small Cory-type catfish, they are sensitive to poor maintenance and sudden water changes.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Captive-bred albino strain

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.