Scientific name: Apistogramma panduro

Common name: Blue panda apisto

Family: Cichlidae

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

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5 - 7

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

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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

Food and feeding

Blue panda apisto’s are not fussy eaters; a quality flake should be given for the staple diet. Include in their diet, treats of brine shrimp and blood worm.

Origin

South America; Blue panda apisto’s are to be found in the black water streams of Peru.

Sexing

Females are bright yellow with black chest markings. Males will have a blue body color with brown markings.

Breeding

Soft, acidic water is required to get Apistogramma panduro to breed. Add plant pots for spawning sites and condition the parents with live and frozen foods. The female will tend the eggs while the male defends the spawning site. The fry should be free swimming 6-7 days after hatching, initially feed them on Infusoria. As they increase in size, feed them with newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span of Blue panda apisto is 2-3 years.

Short description

Plenty of hiding places should be included in the tank along with a lot of plants. Regular water changes are required as these fish are very sensitive to poor water quality.Apistogramma panduro is very peaceful and can be kept with other community fish.