Panda Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma nijsseni

Panda Dwarf Cichlid is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Best kept as a pair.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerBest kept as a pairIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in)
Aquarium size
60 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
23–29 °C
pH
5–7
GH
2–8 dGH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
up to 5 years
Group behavior
Best kept as a pair

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 60 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–29 °C, pH 5–7, GH 2–8 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Panda Dwarf Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Best kept as a pair.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Best kept as a pair.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Panda Dwarf Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 60 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Best kept as a pair.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 23–30 °C Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5.5 cm (≤ 2.2 in) 23–29 °C Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 24–28 °C Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 22–29 °C Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 22–29 °C Barlow’s Apistogramma Apistogramma barlowi Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 6.5 cm (≤ 2.6 in) 22–29 °C

FAQ

How large does Panda Dwarf Cichlid get?

Panda Dwarf Cichlid reaches ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in).

What aquarium size does Panda Dwarf Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 60 L or larger / ≥ 80 cm (≥ 31.5 in) minimum length.

Is Panda Dwarf Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Panda Dwarf Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Panda Dwarf Cichlid?

Keep it between 23 to 29 °C.

Should Panda Dwarf Cichlid be kept alone or in a group?

Panda Dwarf Cichlid: Best kept as a pair.

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