CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish – Hoplisoma sp. CW051

The CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish (Hoplisoma sp. CW051) is a striking Cory-type catfish that offers a larger, bolder variation on the black-and-cream pattern aquarists associate with Panda Corys.

Also known as the New Panda Cory, Black-Saddled Cory, CW051 Cory, or occasionally Bicolor New Panda Cory, this fish is best recognized by the large dark blotch centered around the dorsal-fin region.

Its body is generally pale cream, ivory, beige, or silver-gray. A dark vertical marking passes through the eye, while a prominent rounded or saddle-shaped black patch occupies much of the upper middle portion of the body.

The result is a simple but dramatic high-contrast pattern that makes CW051 especially appealing in planted aquariums and collector Cory displays.

Taxonomy note: CW051 remains an undescribed species. It was historically listed as Corydoras sp. CW051, but following the 2024 revision of Corydoradinae, this short-snouted lineage is placed in the genus Hoplisoma. The appropriate modern designation is Hoplisoma sp. CW051.

CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish Care Information

What Does a CW051 New Panda Cory Look Like?

The CW051 New Panda Cory has a short-snouted, relatively robust body with a pale cream, ivory, beige, or silver-gray base color.

A prominent dark vertical band passes through the eye, producing the panda-like facial appearance associated with its common name.

The most distinctive feature is the large black rounded or saddle-shaped blotch around the dorsal-fin area. This dark patch can extend downward over a substantial portion of the body, creating a dramatic bicolor appearance.

Individual pattern size and darkness can vary somewhat with genetics, age, condition, aquarium lighting, and shipping stress.

Why Is CW051 Called the New Panda Cory?

The “New Panda” name comes from the fish's combination of a light-colored body and large black markings, which gives it a panda-like black-and-white appearance.

However, CW051 is not simply a new strain or color morph of the common Panda Cory. It is a separate, still-undescribed Hoplisoma population from a completely different region of South America.

Compared with the classic Panda Cory, CW051 develops a much larger central black body blotch and generally presents a heavier high-contrast bicolor pattern.

CW051 New Panda Cory vs. Regular Panda Cory

CW051 and the common Panda Cory share a black-and-light color theme, but they are not the same fish.

The common Panda Cory, Hoplisoma panda, is known for its dark eye mask, dark dorsal marking, and separate dark patch near the base of the tail.

CW051 instead develops a large central black saddle or rounded body blotch that occupies a much greater portion of the fish's side.

CW051 also originates from the Brazil–Colombia border region, while the classic Panda Cory is associated with river systems farther west in Peru and Ecuador.

CW051 New Panda Cory vs. CW049

CW051 and CW049 are two closely similar “New Panda” type Corys that entered the aquarium hobby from Colombia around the same period.

At first, there was uncertainty over whether they represented separate species or simply different patterns of the same fish.

Both forms have since been bred in captivity and have reportedly reproduced true to their respective patterns, strongly supporting the idea that they represent distinct populations or species.

The easiest visual distinction is the central body marking: CW051 has a large rounded or saddle-like blotch, while CW049 has a more diamond-shaped marking extending downward from the dorsal region.

Is CW051 the Bicolor Cory?

CW051 is sometimes imported or sold under the trade name Bicolor Cory because of its dramatic pale-and-black coloration.

However, this name can cause confusion. The true Hoplisoma bicolor is a different and rarely encountered species from Suriname.

For accurate aquarium identification, names such as CW051 New Panda Cory, Black-Saddled Cory, or Hoplisoma sp. CW051 are preferable.

What Does CW051 Mean?

CW051, often shortened to CW51, is the Corydoras World identification number assigned to this still-undescribed fish.

CW numbers allow aquarists, breeders, importers, and researchers to distinguish unidentified Corydoradinae populations before they receive formal scientific species descriptions.

Maintaining the CW051 designation is particularly important because of the fish's close resemblance to CW049 and other black-and-white Hoplisoma species.

Why Is CW051 Now Hoplisoma sp. CW051?

For many years this fish was listed as Corydoras sp. CW051.

Modern phylogenetic research demonstrated that the broad historical genus Corydoras contained several distinct evolutionary lineages.

In the major 2024 Corydoradinae revision, the large short-snouted Lineage 9 group was placed within the resurrected genus Hoplisoma.

Since CW051 has not yet received a formal species description, its correct modern hobby designation is Hoplisoma sp. CW051.

Where Do CW051 New Panda Corys Come From?

Specialist locality information places CW051 in the border region between Brazil and Colombia.

Cory specialists specifically record the fish from a small creek near the settlement of Villa Bittencourt on the Brazilian side of the border.

Aquarium exports have commonly moved through Leticia, Colombia, an important ornamental-fish export center near the borders of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru.

Some aquarium sources broadly associate CW051 with the upper Rio Negro and Uaupés/Vaupés region. Until a formal scientific description provides more complete distribution data, the CW051 locality should be preserved whenever possible.

CW051 New Panda Cory Behavior & Group Size

CW051 New Panda Corys are peaceful, social bottom-dwelling fish.

Keep at least 6 CW051 Corys together. Larger groups can provide even more natural social behavior when aquarium size and availability allow.

In a comfortable aquarium, the group can often be seen moving together over the substrate, resting under shaded cover, and actively searching the aquarium floor for food.

Like other Cory-type catfish, CW051 may occasionally make a rapid trip to the surface to gulp atmospheric air before returning to the substrate. Occasional surface visits are normal behavior.

Ideal Aquarium Setup for CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish

A 20–25 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for a proper group of CW051 New Panda Corys.

Prioritize horizontal bottom area rather than aquarium height because these fish spend much of their time exploring and foraging along the substrate.

A fine sand substrate is highly recommended. Fine sand allows natural sifting behavior and reduces the risk of abrasion to the fish's sensitive barbels.

Driftwood, smooth stones, live plants, floating plants, and shaded areas can provide useful security while open sections of sand give the group plenty of foraging space.

Efficient filtration with areas of moderate water movement and good oxygenation is recommended.

CW051 New Panda Cory Water Parameters

Specialist aquarium references recommend approximately 73–79°F (23–26°C) for CW051.

A practical pH range is approximately 5.5–7.0, with soft to moderately soft water particularly appropriate for wild-origin fish.

More important than continually adjusting water chemistry is maintaining clean, stable, oxygen-rich water.

Keep CW051 in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with effective biological filtration and regular partial water changes. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero.

What Do CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish Eat?

CW051 New Panda Corys are omnivorous benthic foragers and should receive a varied diet specifically provided for them.

Good aquarium foods include:

• High-quality sinking Cory pellets
• Bottom-feeder tablets or granules
• Bloodworms
• White mosquito larvae
• Blackworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Other appropriately sized frozen or live foods

Wild-origin fish may initially respond especially well to frozen and live foods while acclimating to aquarium conditions.

CW051 New Panda Cory Tank Mates

The peaceful temperament of Hoplisoma sp. CW051 makes it suitable for many carefully planned freshwater community aquariums.

Good tank mates can include peaceful tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, small danios, peaceful dwarf cichlids, small gouramis, and other non-aggressive freshwater species with compatible water requirements.

Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive bottom dwellers, and highly competitive fish that may intimidate CW051 or prevent the group from feeding comfortably.

Male vs. Female CW051 New Panda Cory

Mature males and females become easier to distinguish once the fish reach adult size.

Adult males generally remain somewhat smaller and slimmer, reaching approximately 2 inches.

Adult females can reach approximately 2.25 inches and become noticeably broader and fuller through the abdomen when viewed from above.

Juveniles can be difficult to sex reliably, so mature body shape is generally more useful than pattern differences.

Why Choose CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish?

• Bold black-and-cream panda-style coloration
• Large distinctive black saddle below the dorsal fin
• Dark panda-like marking through the eye
• Historic CW051 collector identification
• Still-undescribed specialty Hoplisoma species
• Peaceful temperament for freshwater community aquariums
• Social behavior when maintained in a proper group
• Interesting Brazil–Colombia border locality
• Excellent choice for Cory and Hoplisoma collectors

CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish FAQ

What is a CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish?

CW051 is a still-undescribed Cory-type catfish from the Brazil–Colombia border region. It has a pale body, dark eye marking, and a large rounded black saddle around the dorsal-fin area. Its modern hobby name is Hoplisoma sp. CW051.

Is CW051 now Hoplisoma sp. CW051?

Yes. It was historically listed as Corydoras sp. CW051. Following the 2024 revision of Corydoradinae, this Lineage 9 short-snouted group is placed in Hoplisoma, making Hoplisoma sp. CW051 the appropriate modern designation.

What does CW051 mean?

CW051 is the Corydoras World identification number assigned to this undescribed fish. The code allows hobbyists and breeders to identify it consistently until it receives a formal scientific species name.

Why is CW051 called the New Panda Cory?

Its pale body and large dark markings create a panda-like appearance. However, CW051 is not a color morph of the regular Panda Cory. It is a separate, undescribed Hoplisoma from the Brazil–Colombia border region.

What is the difference between CW051 and a regular Panda Cory?

CW051 has a much larger central black saddle or body blotch. The regular Panda Cory has separate dark markings around the eye, dorsal area, and tail base rather than the large central CW051 pattern.

What is the difference between CW051 and CW049?

CW051 usually has a large rounded or saddle-shaped central black blotch. The similar CW049 develops a more diamond-shaped marking extending downward from the dorsal region. Both forms have bred true in captivity, supporting their treatment as distinct aquarium populations or species.

Is CW051 the same as Hoplisoma bicolor?

No. CW051 is sometimes imported under the name “Bicolor Cory,” but true Hoplisoma bicolor is a separate and rarely seen species from Suriname. CW051 should be identified as Hoplisoma sp. CW051.

How big do CW051 New Panda Corys get?

Specialist records give approximately 2 inches for males and up to around 2.25 inches for females. Mature females are typically fuller-bodied than males.

How many CW051 New Panda Corys should be kept together?

Keep at least 6 CW051 Corys together. They are social fish and generally become more active and confident when maintained in a proper group.

What temperature is best for CW051 New Panda Corys?

A practical specialist-supported aquarium range is approximately 73–79°F (23–26°C), with a pH around 5.5–7.0.

Where do CW051 New Panda Corys come from?

Specialist records place CW051 in the Brazil–Colombia border region, specifically from a small creek near Villa Bittencourt on the Brazilian side. Aquarium exports have commonly passed through Leticia, Colombia.

Is CW051 New Panda Cory rare?

CW051 remains less common in the aquarium trade than mainstream Cory species and is generally considered a specialty collector fish. Here, “rare” refers to aquarium availability rather than an official conservation classification.

Are CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish peaceful?

Yes. CW051 is a peaceful social catfish and works well with calm tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, danios, and other non-aggressive freshwater community fish with compatible care requirements.

What do CW051 New Panda Cory Catfish eat?

Feed a varied diet containing quality sinking pellets, granules, or tablets supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, blackworms, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Do CW051 New Panda Corys clean the aquarium?

CW051 naturally forage along the aquarium floor, but they should not be considered aquarium maintenance animals. They require intentional feeding with nutritious foods along with regular water changes, substrate cleaning, and normal aquarium maintenance.