Apistogramma panduro - Pandurini

Scientific Name: Apistogramma panduro
Common Names: Panduro Dwarf Cichlid, Pandurini Apistogramma

Apistogramma panduro is a striking South American dwarf cichlid prized for its bold coloration, strong sexual dimorphism, contrasting dark markings, and classic Apistogramma personality. Mature males can develop beautiful blue, turquoise, and yellow tones with reddish accents in the fins, while females are especially distinctive, often displaying vivid yellow coloration with prominent black markings when in breeding condition.

Native to the Amazon Basin of Peru, A. panduro inhabits soft, acidic waters where submerged wood, leaf litter, roots, and other natural structures provide abundant shelter. In the aquarium, providing a similarly structured environment helps these fish feel secure and encourages their natural territorial and breeding behaviors.

Although small, Panduro Apistogramma are true cichlids with plenty of personality. They spend much of their time exploring the lower portions of the aquarium and establishing territories around caves, driftwood, plants, and other protected areas.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Peaceful / Territorial
Adult Size: Approximately 2–3 inches, with males generally larger than females
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature: Approximately 75–82°F
pH: Approximately 5.0–7.0
Diet: Omnivore with a preference for small protein-rich foods

Recommended Setup: A mature, well-filtered aquarium with fine sand, driftwood, plants, caves, leaf litter, and plenty of visual barriers. Multiple hiding places and defined territories are particularly important when keeping a pair or multiple dwarf cichlids.

Feed a varied diet of high-quality, appropriately sized prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small aquatic foods.

Behavior & Tankmates: Apistogramma panduro can be kept with carefully selected peaceful community fish, but it can become strongly territorial, particularly when spawning. Avoid aggressive tankmates and excessive competition from other bottom-dwelling species. Providing adequate space and multiple territories is especially important when keeping more than one Apistogramma.

Breeding: Apistogramma panduro is a cave-spawning dwarf cichlid. Females typically select a protected cavity for spawning and become highly territorial while guarding their eggs and developing fry.

Please Note: Coloration, markings, fin development, size, and sex naturally vary between individual fish. Males and females can look considerably different, particularly when mature or in breeding condition. The fish you receive may differ from the individual pictured.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.