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Pictures of fish and fish in store may vary, these are just examples/fully grown fish
In the wild, Panda Dwarf Cichlid inhabit slow-moving shallow bodies of blackwater under the dense forest canopy, and in many places the substrate is composed of leaf litter.
The home aquarium should contain soft acidic water and a dark substrate, and be well matured before these delicate fishes are added. Ideally it will also be heavily planted with plenty of hiding places/territories amongst rocks and bogwood.
Floating plant cover could be used to help diffuse the light. Peat filtration and the addition of Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) would be very beneficial in helping to create the favoured conditions.
The tank should have a tight fitting cover, as these fish can jump.
Panda Dwarf Cichlids are generally peaceful, but can become rather territorial when breeding; keep either a single pair, or in larger aquaria, one male with several females (which will form a harem).
The females will seek out individual territories, hence the importance of many visual barriers within the tank.
Good tankmates include Corydoras catfish, hatchetfish, pencilfish, small tetras, and suckermouth catfish.
Do not house with other Apistogramma species.
Like many dwarf cichlids, A. nijsseni will not tolerate an elevated nitrate level. Regular partial water changes are an absolute must for the continued wellbeing of this species.
Name: Panda Dwarf Cichlid
Science Name: Apistogramma nijsseni
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive during Spawn / Territorial
Max Size: 3"
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 72-84F° (22-29°C)
Care Level: Easy
Life Expectancy: 5 Years
Minimum Tank Size Recommended: 20 Gallons
Groups: Recommended Solo, Pairs (M+F), or groups of 6+
