Panda Cories, Tankmates Advice

[dizzied]

So I had this 20 gal tank lying around and originally wanted panda cories for them. The problem is, the only LFS here that sold them did so for $9 each. So when the tank had finished cycling, I decided to go with platies and swordtails instead. So yesterday I was walking around and came across a new LFS, and they had panda cories, lots of them, at $3 each. I bought three of them on impulse. Problem is, the livebearers have turned somewhat aggressive, they're taking swipes at the pandas and snails. The snails can withdraw and take no harm, but the pandas just sit there completely still instead of running whenever any of the livebearers draws near. They zip away once the livebearer takes a shot at them. I've decided on getting a refund on the livebearers in a few days and using that money for a few more pandas.

The thing is, I like the platies and swordtails because they were extremely bright and colorful. I could see them swimming around from across the room and it looks great. The pandas on the other hand, they're really small and have rather dull coloring, they're pretty much invisible unless I'm looking into the tank from really close. I'm seeking suggestions for a peaceful, colorful (or at least, more visible) fish to keep with the pandas.

The tank is 20 gallons, PH hovers around 7.5. It'll have six pandas once I refund the other fish.

 

[Mike_SE]

sounds like you have made your opinions mate! if you like the colour and character of the livebearers, and find the cories dull and boring, take them back to the shop. I am sure they will have them back, and maybe swap you for something else

 

[dizzied]

I've choosen to stick with the pandas because they're peaceful. As I mentioned, the livebearers have also been aggressive to the snails. Not sure why though, I always thought they were supposed to be peaceful.

 

[Captain Retardo]

Tetras? Harlequin Rasboras?

They are smaller but equally, if not more colorful!

 

[dizzied]

Not sure about the tetras, since I heard most of them would perfer softer and more acidic water, and I'm keeping my tank slightly harder and alkaline so the snails won't die off.

I'm definitely considering the Harlequins though, I've always found that triangular "chop" pretty cool.

 

[Captain Retardo]

Oh yes, I just saw your pH, mine is 7.6 also, I have harlequins, they are always moving, and the first thing you notice about the tank...although the cories are my favorite

 

[dizzied]

I'll probably get some Harlequins, if it doesn't rain over the weekend. One of the pandas seem to have taken some damage since my last post. It doesn't move or follow the other two, and one of the swords just took a swipe at it. I might keep the platies though, it seems like only swords or being aggressive.

 

[robyngunston]

I'll probably get some Harlequins, if it doesn't rain over the weekend. One of the pandas seem to have taken some damage since my last post. It doesn't move or follow the other two, and one of the swords just took a swipe at it. I might keep the platies though, it seems like only swords or being aggressive.

I had the same problem with Beunos Aries Tetra and blindcave fish.....it was terrible to see them constantly nipping at the poor corys.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi dizzied

I strongly suggest you get them out of that tank FAST! Pandas are nervous fish and the reason they have disappointed you is because they are stressed and not their normal selves.

Actually, C. pandas are pretty pink fish with dark markings that give them a very attractive appearance. They are quite active too, in the right environment.

I seem to find that they do best in a tank by themselves, but with a tiny cory like C. pygmaeus they do fine. I would not recommend keeping them with larger fish. The more pandas you have, the more outgoing they will be.

Pandas get sick easily, and stress is something that will do them no good. They are a joy to watch and mine seem to be most active in the evenings.

 

[robyngunston]

Hi dizzied

I strongly suggest you get them out of that tank FAST! Pandas are nervous fish and the reason they have disappointed you is because they are stressed and not their normal selves.

Actually, C. pandas are pretty pink fish with dark markings that give them a very attractive appearance. They are quite active too, in the right environment.

I seem to find that they do best in a tank by themselves, but with a tiny cory like C. pygmaeus they do fine. I would not recommend keeping them with larger fish. The more pandas you have, the more outgoing they will be.

Pandas get sick easily, and stress is something that will do them no good. They are a joy to watch and mine seem to be most active in the evenings.

Inchworm always knows best

 

[dizzied]

I returned the livebearers and picked up three more pandas to bring my total to five. They're a lot more active now, though one of them doesn't shoal with the others.

 

[dizzied]

I just kept wondering if that one panda was being ousted because it was sick. I snapped a picture.



It's the one on the very front. As you can see, the edge of the "plates" are all darkened.
Is the little guy sick? If so, what invert-safe medication can treat it?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi dizzied

Some C. pandas normally have a little dark coloration on them, and this is nothing to worry about. I don't know if you will be able to see it on a few of the fish in this picture:

Is that a nip in the dorsal (top) fin of the fish on the right? If so, that is one to keep an eye on. Stress is hard on them and since they are new to your tank (and that alone is a difficult adjustment for them to make) it could result in illness. The aggression they were subjected to is not good either.

Just keep the water clean and fresh and give them a little more time. If you see any white spots on them, medicate them immediately because pandas can die quickly. I've had good luck treating my pandas with one or two doses of MelaFix when this has happened and it doesn't seem to bother the snails.

 

[dizzied]

Yep, it's just like your picture. Good to know.

As for the nip, I can't get close enough to see it before the cory jets away. I'll keep an eye on it though. It's one of the new ones I got today.

After reading some of the other threads on this forum, the panda does seem a bit fragile. They're so freaking cute though.