A striking South American dwarf cichlid native to blackwater habitats in Peru. Famous for the female's bright yellow coloration and distinct 'panda' black blotches. Males are larger with a blue-yellow sheen and a red-edged rounded tail. They require soft, acidic water, leaf litter, and fine sand to sift through.
Panda Dwarf Cichlid At a Glance
Panda Dwarf Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Panda Dwarf Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Panda Dwarf Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Panda Dwarf Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Panda Dwarf Cichlid Water Parameters
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Panda Dwarf Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Panda Dwarf Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are significantly larger with a blueish-yellow sheen and a distinctive red-margined rounded tail. They are highly territorial toward other males. Keep only one male per tank unless the aquarium is very large (120cm+).
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Panda Apisto, Male Nijsseni
Female
Females exhibit the namesake 'panda' pattern: a bright yellow body with large black blotches on the gill cover, mid-body, and tail base. They remain smaller than males but become fiercely aggressive when defending eggs or fry.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Panda Apisto, Panda Morph
Panda Dwarf Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Panda Dwarf Cichlid, scientifically known as Apistogramma nijsseni, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 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 high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Panda Dwarf Cichlid 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 23°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 5–6.5 and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Panda Dwarf Cichlid 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.
Panda Dwarf Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Panda Dwarf Cichlid, 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, leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Panda Dwarf Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Panda Dwarf Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, 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.
Panda Dwarf Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Panda Dwarf Cichlid.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Dwarf Cichlid
How big does Panda Dwarf Cichlid get?
Panda Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma nijsseni) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Panda Dwarf Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Panda Dwarf Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Panda Dwarf Cichlid need?
Panda Dwarf Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–29°C, a pH between 5 and 6.5, and a general hardness of 1–5 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Panda Dwarf Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Panda Dwarf Cichlid 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 Panda Dwarf Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Panda Dwarf Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Panda Dwarf Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Panda Dwarf Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), leaf litter/blackwater, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Panda Dwarf Cichlid
These plants pair well with Panda Dwarf Cichlid 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 Panda Dwarf Cichlid
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.
Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma trifasciata
A stunning dwarf cichlid native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins in South America. They are renowned for their striking metallic blue sheen and the male's spectacular sail-like dorsal fin. As peaceful micropredators, they are excellent for planted community tanks, but require soft, acidic water, stable parameters, and a fine sand substrate to sift through.
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 Orange-tail
Apistogramma cf. eunotus "Orange-tail"
A beautiful South American dwarf cichlid known for its personality and stunning coloration. They are micropredators that naturally inhabit slow-moving tributaries with sandy bottoms and leaf litter. While generally peaceful towards non-cichlid tank mates (like tetras and pencilfish), they are highly territorial among their own kind and will readily hunt dwarf shrimp.
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.
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.