Apistogramma panduro – The Panda Dwarf Cichlid

Meet one of the most visually distinct and personable dwarf cichlids in the hobby, the Apistogramma panduro. Often affectionately called the “Panda Apisto,” this species captivates with its bold and beautiful color pattern. Males display a creamy yellow on the front half of the body that contrasts starkly with a jet-black blotch on their rear flank and a signature, fiery red-orange fringe on their tail fin. Hailing from the blackwater streams of Peru, A. panduro is noted for being one of the more peaceful members of its genus, making it a fantastic choice for a carefully planned community or a dedicated biotope tank. Our high-grade, aquarium-raised specimens are healthy, adaptable, and ready to show off their incredible colors.

Key Features

• High-Grade Aquarium Raised: Bred for vibrant color and robust health, these fish are well-acclimated to aquarium life.
• Striking “Panda” Pattern: Features a unique and unforgettable combination of creamy yellow, bold black, and iridescent blue scales.
• Signature Red Tail Fringe: The brilliant red-orange border on the caudal fin is a hallmark of the species and a stunning visual highlight.
• Relatively Peaceful Demeanor: Known to be less aggressive than many other Apistogramma, making them a more suitable candidate for community setups.
• Engaging Behavior: Forms strong pair bonds and exhibits the full range of fascinating cichlid behaviors, from courtship to parenting.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A 20-gallon “long” aquarium is the minimum for a pair. A 30-gallon or larger is recommended for a community setting.
• Water Conditions: Must be kept in soft, acidic water (pH 5.0-6.5) to truly thrive and display their best coloration.
• Tank Setup: A sandy substrate is essential. The environment should be rich with hiding places like driftwood tangles, ceramic caves, and leaf litter.
• Diet: Carnivorous. A varied diet of high-protein live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms) is crucial for their health and vibrancy.
• Tank Mates: An excellent choice for a peaceful community with small, top-dwelling dither fish like pencilfish, hatchetfish, or small tetras.

Why Choose Our Apistogramma panduro?

The Apistogramma panduro offers the perfect combination of jaw-dropping looks and a manageable personality. It’s the ideal species for the aquarist who wants to keep a truly special dwarf cichlid without the intense aggression of some other varieties. Our aquarium-raised panduro are conditioned for health and vitality, giving you a prime specimen that is ready to become the cherished centerpiece of your softwater aquarium.

Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee

We ship healthy, vibrant Apistogramma panduro directly from our US-based facility. Every order is packed with professional care and is covered by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee.