Will C. Pandas hybridize or be outcompeted with other Cories

[Akeath]

I'm thinking about getting a second type of Corydoras Catfish in with my Panda Cories down the road in my 75 gallon. In particular, I'm interested in Julii Cories, False Julii Cories, or Aeneus Cories. I've heard that some Cories will hybridize, and was wondering if any of those would hybridize with each other or the Pandas. I'm also curious if they would out compete each other at all, especially with the larger C. aeneus.

Oh, and one more thing. My Panda Cories are most active during morning and evening. Will any of those Cories be active during the day more, or will they all be most active in the morning and evening? Are there any other behavior differences between the Panda Cories and the others?

[donpetty]

Akeath,
I keep all of the types of Corydoras you are considering.
I do not believe that you will have an issue with mixing these.
It is my opinion that the Corydoras trilineatus would be a nice contrast fish.
They are active during the day as are the aeneus. The aeneus are one of the more active and would be
very visible during the day, if that is your goal. In my experiences the hybrids occur with similar
species such as "types" in a "family" (If that makes sense) Meaning Corydoras aeneus (green) crossing with
the aeneus-Schultzi or the aeneus "Venezuela" types. I could be wrong and some corydoras may hybridize if you have frenzied spawning occurring. But, not in the community you are purposing -unless you are actively trying to induce spawning behaviors(through cold water changes or some other methods)
I do not think you will have any issues. I am sure others may have thoughts on this as well.

Kindest Regards!
Don

[Akeath]

It would be really neat to have a Cory out and about more during the day. Roughly how large of a percentage of time a day would the Aeneus Cories be out and about where I could see them?

I've never tried to induce my Cories to spawn, but they've still tripled their numbers with their breeding. In a community tank, no less. I can't imagine how many I would have by now if I kept them in a tank where there were no fry-eating fish.

[donpetty]

Hi Akeath,
A lot depends on your set up and how safe your fish feel.
But, my experiences with the aeneus have been pretty universal
they are one of the most active and least shy, and by the way there are several varieties
so you are not stuck with just the albino ones you see in PetCo.
The Venezuela-Red Sail fins, the Schultzi are both nice looking fish and they get a bit larger than the Pandas.
But, the Panda hide eggs and once hidden sometimes don't bother eating them all...
I have seen aeneus groups spawning and as the female lays the eggs the males are eating them as fast as they can..
Which is maybe a good thing as they are one of the easiest to induce to spawn.
Also, it should be noted that many people consider the different aenus varieties different species and not all "aeneus" as I have listed them here. So if you look up the "Schultzi" you will see a few varieties including a cool all-black one and also look up the Venezuela red sail fins too. Take Care!
Don