Panda Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma nijsseni

Panda Dwarf Cichlid is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerIntermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle to top swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 5–6.5
GH: 0–4 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5–6.5, GH 0–4 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Panda Dwarf Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

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.

Feeding

Mainly benthic invertebrate foods: live/frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm; dry pellets sometimes accepted.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru.

Similar fish profiles

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

Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Panda Dwarf Cichlid get?

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

What aquarium size does Panda Dwarf Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) 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 24 to 28 °C.