Apistogramma Pandurini Show

Pandurini Dwarf Cichlid

The pandurini dwarf cichlid is called the apisto panda and the apisto panduro, and is a small, colorful and peaceful community fish from Peru. Apistogramma pandurini live in black (low pH) water similar to wild discus, and these dwarf cichlids do not tolerate pH above 7.5. Other than that, the apisto panda is quite hardy, and aquarium hobbyists successfully breed the species. These are show-quality males.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them a heater, a gentle filter, dim lighting and lots of plants, driftwood and leaf litter. Add a cave (a coconut shell or small clay pot) for each female. Most apistos prefer soft, slightly acidic water.

Feeding: Feed small pellets or flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Keep them with small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, otocinclus and corydoras. A calm school of small "dither" fish helps apistos feel safe enough to come out. Keep one male per tank unless it is large and well planted, and avoid large or boisterous fish. Adults may eat small shrimp and baby shrimp.

Breeding: Apistos are cave spawners. The female lays her eggs inside a cave and guards the fry, while the male patrols the territory. One male with several females works well in a planted tank.

Good to know: Panduro (pandurini) are true blackwater fish. Peat, leaf litter and very soft water bring out the striking red tail in the males.