Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Siluriformes
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Subfamily: Corydoradinae
- Genus: Hoplisoma
- Species: Hoplisoma panda (Nijssen & Isbrücker, 1971)
Synonyms
- Corydoras panda Nijssen & Isbrücker, 1971
Common names
- Panda corydoras
- Panda catfish
- Panda cory
Conservation status
- Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Distribution
Hoplisoma panda is native to the upper Amazon basin of South America, occurring in Peru and Ecuador. It is especially associated with the Huánuco region of Peru, where it inhabits tributaries such as the Río Aquas, Río Amarilla, the Río Pachitea, and the Río Ucayali system.
Habitat
The species prefers clear, relatively fast‑flowing, well‑oxygenated river waters over soft sand or fine gravel substrates. These habitats are typically vegetated with aquatic plants and have neutral to slightly acidic pH. Water temperatures range from 16 °C to 28 °C, with a preference for the cooler portion of this range; the fish can survive short periods at temperatures as low as 12 °C.
Physical description
Hoplisoma panda reaches a standard length of about 55 mm (2.1 in). The body has an off‑white to pinkish‑orange ground colour, sometimes showing a faint greenish iridescence on the flanks and operculum. Distinctive black markings include:
- A mask surrounding the eyes that resembles the facial pattern of the giant panda.
- A large black blotch covering most of the dorsal fin.
- A black band encircling the caudal peduncle.
The fins are generally hyaline (transparent) with coloured rays; the adipose fin may contain black pigmentation. Like other callichthyids, the body is armored with bony plates (scutes). The species possesses three pairs of barbels (one maxillary pair and two rictal pairs).
Behavior and ecology
Hoplisoma panda is a gregarious bottom‑dwelling catfish. It forms schools, with a recommended minimum of eight individuals in captivity to promote natural social behavior. The species feeds primarily on small invertebrates, including live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms, as well as high‑quality flake foods.
Aquarium care
Due to its preference for cooler, well‑oxygenated water and clean substrate, H. panda is popular among aquarists who can replicate its natural conditions. Suitable tank temperatures are 20 °C–25 °C (68 °F–77 °F). Maintaining high water quality and providing a soft, fine substrate are essential to prevent stress and disease. The species thrives in planted tanks with ample hiding places, caves, and floating vegetation for shade.
Reproduction
Reproductive habits in the wild are not extensively documented, but, as with other Corydoradinae, the species is presumed to be an egg‑layer that deposits adhesive eggs on vegetation or substrate.
References
- Nijssen, H. & Isbrücker, I. J. H. (1971). Original description of Corydoras panda.
- IUCN Red List assessment (Near Threatened).
- Wikipedia entry for Hoplisoma panda (accessed April 2026).