Blue panda apisto - Apistogramma panduro

Scientific name: Apistogramma panduro

Common name: Blue panda apisto

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 5 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 2 - 8°N (35.71 - 142.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Blue Panda Apisto (Apistogramma panduro) originates from the blackwater streams of Peru in South America. These environments are characterized by soft, acidic waters with dense vegetation, providing plenty of hiding spots and leaf litter for these small cichlids. Replicating these natural conditions in the aquarium is key to their health and wellbeing.

Tank Requirements

Blue Panda Apistos are small, peaceful cichlids that require a minimum tank size of 60 liters (15 gallons) for a pair. To mimic their natural habitat, provide a densely planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places, such as caves, rocks, driftwood, and upturned plant pots. A substrate of fine sand or smooth gravel is ideal, as it allows them to explore and forage comfortably without injuring themselves.

The water conditions should reflect their native blackwater streams: a pH range of 5-7, with water hardness between 2-8°N (35.71-142.86 ppm). The temperature should be maintained between 23-26°C (73.4-78.8°F) to ensure optimal health. A gentle filtration system is recommended, as these fish prefer calm waters with minimal current. Adding some floating plants will help to diffuse the lighting and create a more natural, shaded environment for these shy cichlids.

Regular water changes are essential for Blue Panda Apistos, as they are highly sensitive to water quality. Weekly changes of 20-30% will help maintain the necessary water parameters and keep nitrate levels low.

Tankmates

Due to their peaceful nature, Blue Panda Apistos can be kept with other small, non-aggressive fish that thrive in similar water conditions. Suitable tankmates include:

• Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi)
• Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
• Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda)

Avoid housing them with larger or more aggressive species, as this can cause stress and territorial disputes. When keeping multiple Blue Panda Apistos, ensure that the tank is large enough and has plenty of hiding places to prevent conflicts, especially during breeding.

Food and Feeding

Blue Panda Apistos are not fussy eaters and will accept a variety of foods. A quality flake food should be used as their staple diet, supplemented with occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. Providing a varied diet not only ensures proper nutrition but also helps to enhance their vibrant coloration and overall health.

Feed them small meals two to three times a day, offering only what they can consume within a few minutes. This feeding routine will prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality, as excess food can quickly deteriorate the tank environment.

Sexing

Sexing Blue Panda Apistos is relatively straightforward. Females are typically bright yellow with black chest markings, particularly during breeding periods. Males, on the other hand, have a blue body color with distinctive brown markings and are usually slightly larger and more vibrantly colored than females.

Breeding

Breeding Blue Panda Apistos can be a rewarding experience, especially when their natural spawning behavior is observed. To encourage breeding, provide soft, acidic water (pH around 5-6) and include spawning sites such as small caves or plant pots. Condition the breeding pair with a diet rich in live and frozen foods to enhance their health and readiness for spawning.

During the breeding process, the female will lay eggs inside the chosen spawning site, while the male guards the territory. The female takes on the primary role of tending to the eggs, which hatch in 3-4 days. The fry become free-swimming 6-7 days after hatching. Initially, feed them on Infusoria or liquid fry food. As they grow, introduce newly hatched brine shrimp to support their development.

Lifespan

The Blue Panda Apisto has a relatively short lifespan of 2-3 years, but with proper care and optimal water conditions, they can thrive and display their natural behaviors throughout their life.

Short Description

Apistogramma panduro, commonly known as the Blue Panda Apisto, is a peaceful dwarf cichlid that thrives in a well-maintained, planted aquarium. They require a stable environment with soft, acidic water and plenty of hiding places to feel secure. Their vibrant colors and interesting behaviors make them a popular choice among aquarists who are looking to keep a unique and relatively easy-to-care-for dwarf cichlid. Due to their sensitivity to water quality, regular water changes and careful monitoring of tank conditions are crucial for their health and well-being.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.