Flag Tailed Panda Corydoras (Corydoras oiapoquensis)
Flag-Tailed Panda Corydoras are very peaceful and are popular fish for the community aquarium and make good tank mates for similarly sized species. However, they shouldn't be kept with anything very large or aggressive.
Try to keep Corydoras in groups, as they're far more confident and active in the presence of the same species; a group of at least six is best. Additionally, Pencilfish, Tetras, and Rasboras make excellent tankmates, and their presence as "dither fish" in midwater will encourage Corydoras to emerge more frequently.
Soft sand substrates are ideal for keeping Flag Tailed Panda Corys as they can root around and forage without risk of abrasion and bacteria from accumulated waste; coarse gravel can damage their barbels. In order for filtration to be efficient, there should be moderate water movement and a decent level of oxygenation. For these fish to remain healthy, regular maintenance, including periodic partial water changes, is necessary. Make sure there are plenty of shady spots amongst the driftwood, rocks, and dense plantings.
The Flag-Tailed Panda Corydoras has attractive patterning with a combination of light and dark markings. The bodies range from white to pink and display three prominent spots on their body. The first black spot covers the upper part of their head and their eyes, just like a panda; the second is on the dorsal fin, and the third is located on the base of the caudal fin. In addition, these Corys also have three dark bands on their caudal fin and three pairs of barbells.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras oiapoquensis |
| Year Described | 1972 |
| Other Names | Stripe Tailed Panda |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | French Guiana |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 8 - 10 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 20 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 68 - 77℉ 20 - 25℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Flag Tailed Panda Corydoras will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.
Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.
It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.
This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.
Sexual Dimorphism
It can be somewhat challenging to differentiate between a male and female Flag Tailed Panda Cory. However, if you look from above, the females will be a bit larger than the males and have a wider bodies.