Long Fin Panda Cory (Hoplisoma panda)

Common Name

Corydoras Panda Longfin

This is a selectively bred longfin strain of the classic panda cory, prized for extended dorsal and caudal fins that accentuate the species’ black mask and tail saddle pattern.

Origin and Habitat

Native to the Upper Amazon basin of Peru and Ecuador, especially the Ucayali system with tributaries such as the Pachitea, Aguaytía, Zúngaro, and Sungaro. In the wild they occupy small clear tributaries and marginal creeks with sand or fine sediment, leaf litter, submerged roots, and aquatic vegetation. Seasonal rains can cool and freshen these foothill waters, and populations also occur in darker, humic streams in the region.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred aquarium range is 22 to 25 °C (71.6 to 77 °F).

• Maintain zero ammonia and nitrite, low nitrate, steady temperature, and strong oxygenation with gentle flow.
• Published wild references list pH from about 6.0 to 8.0, with soft to moderate hardness most typical.
• Stable conditions are far more important than chasing exact parameters.

Appearance and Size

Panda Corys show a pale to beige body with a black eye mask, a dark blotch at the dorsal fin base, and a distinct caudal peduncle band. Longfin strains display elongated dorsal and caudal rays that flow behind the fish. Females are deeper-bodied and broader when viewed from above. Males are slimmer, often with slightly more pointed unpaired fins. Adults are commonly 4 to 5 cm total length, with maximum sizes reported to about 6 cm (roughly 1.6 to 2.4 inches).

Diet in the Wild

Corydoras are benthic foragers that sift fine substrates for small invertebrates. Field and experimental studies report diets of insect larvae, worms, micro crustaceans, and other benthic meiofauna, along with incidental detritus and biofilm.

Feeding in Captivity

Offer small sinking wafers and micro pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and baby brine shrimp.

• Feed modest portions twice daily so food consistently reaches the bottom.
• A varied rotation supports condition and breeding readiness.
• Fine sand allows natural sifting behavior without barbel wear.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Panda Corys are peaceful and strongly social, happiest in larger groups.

• Keep at least eight together for natural schooling and confident behavior.
• Provide a soft sand substrate, dense planting or leaf litter for cover, and moderate filtration that keeps the water clean without excessive current on the long fins.
• Maintain a tight lid since Corydoras gulp air and may dart to the surface (facultative air breathing is normal).

Calm midwater companions such as small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf rainbowfish are ideal.

Breeding

An egg-laying substrate spawner that uses the classic Corydoras “T-position” courtship.

• Condition adults with frequent small feeds of live and frozen foods.
• Many breeders report spawns after a substantial water change with slightly cooler water that simulates seasonal rains, accompanied by increased aeration.
• The female cups one to a few adhesive eggs between her pelvic fins and places them on glass, plants, or décor, repeating the cycle across many sites.
• Provide rock piles, coarse gravel pockets, dense moss, or spawning mops to shelter eggs from adults.
• Incubation is typically a few days depending on temperature.
• Remove adults or relocate eggs to prevent predation and improve yield.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Hoplisoma panda (formerly Corydoras panda)
• Common name: Long Fin Panda Cory
• Origin: Upper Amazon basin in Peru and Ecuador, including the Ucayali system and tributaries
• Adult size: Commonly 4–5 cm, up to about 6 cm total length (1.6–2.4 in)
• Temperature: 22–25 °C (71.6–77 °F)
• pH: About 6.0–8.0 in wild references, keep stable rather than exact
• Hardness: Soft to moderate mineral content is preferred
• Temperament: Peaceful and social bottom dweller for groups
• Diet: Benthic invertebrates in the wild; accepts small sinking prepared foods and frozen or live items
• Breeding: Egg-laying substrate spawner, T-position courtship; provide dense plants or coarse substrate pockets to protect eggs

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Long fin panda Corys look especially elegant over dark sand and under soft lighting where their flowing fins and black mask really stand out. Keep a good-sized group for relaxed behavior, and give them fine sand so they can sift without abrasion. Stable, clean water with generous dissolved oxygen rewards you with constant foraging activity and, in settled tanks, surprise clutches of eggs on leaves or glass.