Apistogramma nijsseni

Common name Panda dwarf cichlid Picture of Apistogramma nijsseni, male
Apistogramma nijsseni, male

Apistogramma nijsseni, female

Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Apistogramma nijsseni

Synonyms

Size Male up to 2" (5cm), female smaller.

Origin S. America: Peru

Tank setup Planted tank, with rock or bogwood caves and sand or fine gravel.

Compatibility More peaceful than larger cichlids, but they will become territorial when spawning.

Temperature 24-28^oC (75-82^oF)

Water chemistry Soft and acidic, pH 5.5 - 6.8 preferred. Although the fish are more likely to look their best and breed in their preferred water, they will usually adapt to slightly harder alkaline water in the aquarium.

Feeding Omnivorous: Should take dry foods, but live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae will be preferred.

Sexing Males are larger and have a blue colour sheen and a red-edged tail. Females have a distinctive yellow colouration with black blotches, resulting in the common name of Panda dwarf cichlid.

Breeding Soft and acidic water of excellent quality required. Can be bred as a pair or a harem with several females holding small territories. Provide caves with a very small entrance. The female normally guards the fry, while the male defends the wider territory. Fry are normally free-swimming in about a week.

Malawi

Dwarf Cichlids

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Panda dwarf cichlid	Apistogramma nijsseni, male Apistogramma nijsseni, female Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Apistogramma nijsseni
Synonyms
Size	Male up to 2" (5cm), female smaller.
Origin	S. America: Peru
Tank setup	Planted tank, with rock or bogwood caves and sand or fine gravel.
Compatibility	More peaceful than larger cichlids, but they will become territorial when spawning.
Temperature	24-28^oC (75-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Soft and acidic, pH 5.5 - 6.8 preferred. Although the fish are more likely to look their best and breed in their preferred water, they will usually adapt to slightly harder alkaline water in the aquarium.
Feeding	Omnivorous: Should take dry foods, but live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae will be preferred.
Sexing	Males are larger and have a blue colour sheen and a red-edged tail. Females have a distinctive yellow colouration with black blotches, resulting in the common name of Panda dwarf cichlid.
Breeding	Soft and acidic water of excellent quality required. Can be bred as a pair or a harem with several females holding small territories. Provide caves with a very small entrance. The female normally guards the fry, while the male defends the wider territory. Fry are normally free-swimming in about a week.