Panda Apistogramma

Looks how to spot one

Scales

A small, laterally compressed cichlid with a relatively large head, fleshy lips, and well-developed jaws. Males have a blue body with a red-edged tail fin and elongated dorsal fin rays. Females are smaller and yellow with distinctive black blotches around the eye and on the body, which gives them their 'panda' name.25

Personality what they are like

Generally peaceful but territorial, especially during breeding. Males can be quite defensive of their chosen area. They are curious and active swimmers, constantly exploring their surroundings.41

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate. They are active swimmers but do not require a large space. A 20-gallon (75-litre) tank is the minimum recommended size.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Requires soft, acidic water with a pH between 5.0 and 6.8 and very low hardness. The tank should be well-planted with plenty of hiding places like caves, bogwood, and leaf litter. A dark substrate and floating plants to diffuse light are beneficial. Regular partial water changes are essential to keep nitrate levels low.13

Home where they are happiest

In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving blackwater streams and creeks under dense forest canopy. The water is stained dark by tannins and has very low mineral content. The aquarium should mimic this with soft, acidic water, a dark substrate, and plenty of cover from plants, roots, and caves. A tight-fitting lid is needed as they can jump.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Primarily carnivorous. In the wild they feed on benthic invertebrates. In the aquarium, offer live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworm. They will also accept high-quality dried pellets and granules.31

Company who they like around

Best kept as a single pair or as one male with several females (a harem) in a larger tank. They can be kept with peaceful community fish like small tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, and Corydoras catfish, but should not be housed with other Apistogramma species. Wild-caught specimens are best kept alone or with small dither fish.13

The story where it all began

This species was first scientifically described by Sven O. Kullander in 1979, based on specimens collected from the Copal River in Peru. Its common name, 'panda dwarf cichlid', comes from the striking black blotches on the females, which resemble a panda's markings. It is only occasionally available in the aquarium trade, as it is rarely bred in captivity, and most specimens are wild-caught.25

Recognised by the official bits

ITIS

Valid species in the genus Apistogramma, family Cichlidae.6

Popularity Uncommon5