Panda Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma nijsseni)

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Panda Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma nijsseni (m).jpg
Male Panda Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma nijsseni

57 Litres (15 US G.)

5.1-7.1cm (2-2.8 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

5.0 - 6.5

23 -30 °C (73.4-86°F)

1-5 °d

1:3 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

3-5 years

Family

Cichlidae

This animal is available captive bred




Origin

Sexing

The males are larger and have greyish blue coloured body with red edged tail. The females are smaller with yellow body with black spots and red edged tail.

Breeding

Panda Dwarf Cichlids are cave breeders that are best bred in a pH of 5.5, at higher pH's eggs are unlikely to hatch and there will be a low survival rate. It is said that warmer temperatures over 26°C (78.8°F) will give more males than females. They make excellent parents towards their eggs and fry.

Tank compatibility

These Dwarf Cichlids are best kept in either a male/female pair or one male with several females. More than one male may fight over territory. They are generally peaceful towards other tank mates, although very small fish and other species fry are likely to be eaten. Do not keep with very boisterous fish nor with fin-nippers.

Diet

This fish may have dry food (flakes or pellets), although it prefers frozen food (like brine shrimp or bloodworms) and live food (daphnia, insect worms, Grindal worms).

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

In order to mimic the natural environment, the tank should be planted and furnished with plenty of bogwood and/or rocks with many hiding places. Dark sand or gravel could be used as substrate. Leaf litter is advisable. Dim lighting and/or floating plants (Pistia stratioides, Salvinia natans, Limnobium laevigatum).

Behaviour

Males will be territorial towards other males. They are primarily bottom dwellers.

Identification

See sexing.

Pictures

Videos

Mother with fry:

External links