Panda Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma nijsseni)
| Panda Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma nijsseni | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Panda Dwarf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Apistogramma nijsseni |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Peru |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.0-6.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-4 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | ♀ 5 cm, ♂ 8 cm |
| Temperature | 23-27 °C |
| Hardness | 0-4 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-3.2" |
| Temperature | 73-81 °F |
| Hardness | 0-71 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Panda Dwarf Cichlids is the inlet of the Rio Carahuayte, a tributary of the Rio Ucayali, in the Jenaro Herrera District in Peru. They live there in shallow, plant-rich small waters and in the riparian zones of streams and rivers.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots, caves), and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), subdued light (floating plants) and soft, slightly acidic water is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as daphnia, artemia, mysis, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). 
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in pairs. Due to their intraspecific aggressiveness and territorial behavior, keeping several pairs is only recommended in a much larger and richly structured tank. Towards other fish they behave mostly peacefully and can be socialized with calm fish, but they defend their territory consistently.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is larger, more colorful and has much longer, pointed fins. The female is smaller and is yellowish in color at spawning time.
Reproduction and breeding
They are cave breeders, which usually attach the spawn to the ceiling of the cave. The female performs brood care while the male defends the territory. After 3-5 days, the fry hatch and are then housed and guarded by the female in a bottom pit until they swim free after 4-5 days. They are still guarded by the female for some time and led through the tank to forage before the brood care ends.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (e.g. Artemia nauplii). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as the fry are easy prey.
Important
The Panda Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma nijsseni) is very similar to the Panduro Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma panduro).
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and is a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Anton Lamboj
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF