Panda Dwarf Cichlid

The Panda dwarf cichlid is a strikingly patterned Apistogramma endemic to a small area of the Rio Ucayali drainage near Jenaro Herrera in Peru, where it lives in soft, warm, acidic blackwater. It takes its name from the bold black blotches on the head, flank and tail base. Uniquely for the genus, the female is arguably showier when breeding, turning brilliant yellow with black markings as she guards her cave. It is generally peaceful but the brooding female becomes fiercely territorial, so keep a single pair or one male with two females in a tank with caves, leaf litter and gentle filtration. It demands genuinely soft, acidic water at pH 5.0-6.5, very low hardness and 24-28 C. Feed small live and frozen foods; it can be sensitive to poor water and nitrates. A dedicated species setup gives the best results.