A stunning and personality-filled dwarf cichlid from the blackwaters of Peru. Unlike many other Apistogramma species that form harems, A. panduro forms strong, monogamous pair bonds. They are heavily sexually dimorphic and require soft, acidic water, sandy substrate for sifting, and plenty of visual barriers like driftwood and leaf litter.
Apistogramma panduro At a Glance
Apistogramma panduro Tank Requirements
Will Apistogramma panduro fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Apistogramma panduro needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Apistogramma panduro against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Apistogramma panduro Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Apistogramma panduro Temperament & Compatibility
Apistogramma panduro Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Larger and more robust than females, exhibiting a striking blue/violet sheen and a distinct red or orange margin on a rounded caudal (tail) fin. Males are highly territorial toward other males.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Blue Panda, Male Panduro
Female
Significantly smaller and completely different in appearance. Females turn brilliant yellow during breeding with bold, stark black blotches (the 'Panda' pattern). They are fiercely protective of their caves and will aggressively attack fish much larger than themselves to defend fry. Best kept as a single female bonded to a single male.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Panda Apisto, Female Panduro
Apistogramma panduro Care Guide Summary
The Apistogramma panduro, scientifically known as Apistogramma panduro, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Apistogramma panduro requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5–6.8 and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Apistogramma panduro is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Apistogramma panduro Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Apistogramma panduro, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Apistogramma panduro Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Apistogramma panduro is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Apistogramma panduro Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Apistogramma panduro.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Apistogramma panduro Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Apistogramma panduro will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Apistogramma panduro
How big does Apistogramma panduro get?
Apistogramma panduro (Apistogramma panduro) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Apistogramma panduro need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Apistogramma panduro. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Apistogramma panduro need?
Apistogramma panduro thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 5 and 6.8, and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Apistogramma panduro peaceful or aggressive?
Apistogramma panduro is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Apistogramma panduro live alone?
Yes, Apistogramma panduro can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Apistogramma panduro safe with shrimp?
No. Apistogramma panduro is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Apistogramma panduro have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Apistogramma panduro benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Apistogramma panduro
These plants pair well with Apistogramma panduro based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Apistogramma panduro
Apistogramma Black-Chin
Apistogramma allpahuayo
A stunning dwarf cichlid from the blackwaters of Peru, formerly known as Apistogramma sp. 'Black-Chin' until it was scientifically described as A. allpahuayo in 2012. It is famous for the male's distinct pitch-black chin and its unique ability among Apistogrammas to undergo functional sex change (a female can morph into a functional male if the dominant male dies). They are harem breeders that require pristine, highly acidic water with leaf litter and a sandy substrate.
Banded Apistogramma
Apistogramma bitaeniata
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin. Known for their distinct dual lateral stripes, they are a bottom-dwelling species that requires soft, acidic water, sandy substrate, and complex environments with caves or leaf litter. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but highly territorial towards other bottom-dwellers, especially when breeding.
Hongsloi Apistogramma
Apistogramma hongsloi
A striking dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin in South America. They are popular for their vivid red, yellow, and blue colors. Best kept in blackwater setups with soft, acidic water and plenty of leaf litter. They form harems and require sand substrate, as they sift sand through their gills to find food.
Apistogramma atahualpa
Apistogramma atahualpa
A striking dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Peruvian Amazon (Rio Nanay basin). They require soft, acidic water and a sandy substrate, as they naturally sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become highly territorial during breeding. Leaf litter and driftwood are essential to mimic their natural habitat.
Apistogramma uaupesi
Apistogramma uaupesi
A stunning and rare dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater Rio Uaupés basin in South America. They are strictly blackwater fish, requiring very soft, acidic water and dim lighting to thrive. Males are famous for their spectacular, sail-like dorsal fins and lyretails. Like most Apistogramma, they are harem breeders and require complex environments with sightline breaks.
Apistogramma baenschi (Inca 50)
Apistogramma baenschi
A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to Peru. Males boast a dramatically high, sail-like dorsal fin and vibrant blue/yellow coloration. They are cave spawners that require soft, acidic water and a sand substrate for their natural earth-sifting behaviors.