Lonely Panda Cory? Mixing cories

csskkai · Post by **csskkai** » 15 Nov 2013, 21:48

Hello!

I am new to the aquarium hobby, and this is my first time with cory cats.

I have three cory cats in my tank, a peppered cory, sterbai, and panda cory.

I bought them all together at the same time and introduced them to my tank at the same time.

It has been about a month, and the peppered and sterbai often hang out. However, the panda cory does not seem to swim with them. He's always by himself and seems quite lonely.

I want to get him a friend. Would a cory that looked more like him work out, such as an albino, skunk, burgessi, or etc cory? Should I play it safe and get him another panda cory?
I like the variety, but if they are not going to get along, then I don't want any sad lonely cories.

Would it be best to get him another panda cory friend, or can I risk getting a similarly colored cory variety?

Thank you for your input!

Shazray · Post by **Shazray** » 16 Nov 2013, 05:45

Cory cats are very addictive so you will probably want to get every available type

I think there are many factors to consider. For one thing, what is your tank size and what other fish do you have in it? Also, how long has the tank itself being running?

CoryfanAad · Post by **CoryfanAad** » 16 Nov 2013, 15:42

If the tank size is sufficient buy more of all three!!! Btw peppered and pandas like cool(er) water corys and sterbai warm water.

csskkai · Post by **csskkai** » 17 Nov 2013, 13:19

I have a 20 gallon tank set up for about 3 months, so I can only support a few more. I like variety, since ALL cory cats are very cool. However, if it means they're all going to be lonely, then I don't think it's a good idea.
2 out of my 3 cories swim together, but my panda cory doesn't. Will he be okay with a similar looking cory, or do I need to get him another panda cory friend?

CoryfanAad · Post by **CoryfanAad** » 18 Nov 2013, 06:54

A corycollection is something totally different than a coryshoal, especially at the part of social behaviour. Swimming together also doesn't mean social interaction. For all Corys i'd say get them companions of their own species!!!! There are not a lot looking like Pandas btw. Some species have a lot of subspecies (Aeneus fi). That's another story, but problem there is interbreeding. I also like all species but always try to get 6+ shoals. You will be amazed !!!

cinnamonsticks · Post by **cinnamonsticks** » 18 Nov 2013, 17:33

Corys love each other, but do way better in groups of the same species.