Most specimens of this species are captive-bred, commercially produced on fish farms in Eastern Europe and the Far East. The Panda Corydoras, also called the Panda Catfish, is native to the upper Amazon River in Peru where it tends to inhabit both clear and blackwater streams. In their native habitat, these Corydoras are used to high water flow and cooler water temperatures, though captive-bred species are typically able to adapt to a variety of tank conditions. This species typically exhibits pale or silver coloration on the body with a black patch over the eye and at the base of the caudal fin – the dorsal fin may also be black.