Poor pairing in a typical community
The warm temperatures usually maintained for Discus exceed the Panda Cory's comfortable long-term range.
Practical response: Use a warmer-tolerant bottom species or lower-temperature community instead.
Discus
- Adult size
- 16 cm / 6.3 in
- Tank reference
- 250+ L / 66+ US gal
- Group
- 5+
- Zone
- mid
- Temperature
- 28–31°C / 82.4–87.8°F
Panda Corydoras
- Adult size
- 5 cm / 2 in
- Tank reference
- 60+ L / 15.9+ US gal
- Group
- 6+
- Zone
- bottom
- Temperature
- 20–25°C / 68–77°F
Water parameter overlap
Behavior and space
Large warm-water cichlids usually kept in groups; stable water and low-stress tankmates are essential. A cooler-water cory that benefits from a group, clean substrate and high dissolved oxygen.
A compatibility answer should also consider the actual tank dimensions, number of each fish, filtration, planting and other occupants. Two species can be reasonable together in a long, structured aquarium yet become a poor pairing when compressed into a small footprint.
Common questions
Can Discus live with Panda Corydoras?
The StockingLab verdict is avoid: The warm temperatures usually maintained for Discus exceed the Panda Cory's comfortable long-term range.
Do their temperatures overlap?
No shared preferred range.
Should I trust compatibility calculators completely?
No. Individual behavior, sex ratios, breeding condition, aquascape and tank size can change the outcome. Use the result to identify risks, then verify care requirements before purchase.