Panda Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma nijsseni

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

📍 South America

A striking dwarf cichlid from Peru named for the bold black-and-white panda-like markings on females, which display a vivid black ventral region and black fin markings when brooding. Males are larger with more subdued coloration; the species is best kept as a pair in a well-planted 20-gallon tank with soft, acidic water and low to moderate flow.

Size2.5"

Min Tank20g

semi-aggressive

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Panda Dwarf Cichlids are omnivorous and require a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, small flake foods, and regular offerings of frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. Occasional vegetable matter like blanched spinach supports digestive health.

Behavior

These cichlids are territorial and semi-aggressive, especially males during breeding season and females when guarding fry. They are bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging among substrate and plants, displaying characteristic head-down feeding postures. Pairs form strong bonds and should be kept together in well-planted tanks to reduce aggression toward other inhabitants.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult but achievable with proper conditions. Pairs require soft, acidic water (pH 4.5-5.5), temperatures around 78-80°F, and plenty of caves or PVC tubes for spawning sites. Females display striking black coloration when brooding; remove other fish to protect the 50-100 fry, which are free-swimming after 5-7 days.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that occupy different tank zones and share soft, acidic water requirements

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that thrive in similar soft, acidic conditions and upper water zones

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

May be predated upon by cichlids, especially fry; provide dense plants for refuge

caution

Rummy Nose Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish preferring soft, acidic water; occupy mid-water zones away from territorial cichlids

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 82°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, lethargy

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes to improve water quality, remove decaying plants, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure soft, acidic water is maintained

Hole-in-the-Head Disease

Symptoms

Pits or holes developing on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, weight loss

Treatment

Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplementation, use metronidazole if parasitic; maintain pristine water conditions