Apistogramma Panduro
Apistogramma panduro
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: Various
Apistogramma Panduro (Apistogramma panduro) is a semi-aggressive cichlid reaching 3 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank: 10 gallons.
Is Apistogramma Panduro Right for Your Tank?
Apistogramma Panduro is a moderate-care fish rated "advanced" (3/5). Suitable for hobbyists with some experience who can maintain stable water parameters. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
Apistogramma Panduro is semi-aggressive — they can live with others but may bully smaller or slower fish. Choose tank mates carefully. They are territorial — provide adequate hiding spots and maintain enough space to reduce aggression. Expected lifespan: 4 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Apistogramma Panduro
Relying on a heater without a thermometer
Apistogramma Panduro needs 72–82°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.
Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons
While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (15 gal) is much more forgiving.
Housing with peaceful nano fish
Apistogramma Panduro is semi-aggressive and territorial — small, peaceful species like neon tetras, endlers, or celestial pearl danios will be stressed, bullied, or eaten. Choose tank mates that can hold their own.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 3"
- • Temp: 72-82°F
- • pH: 5.5-7
- • Can be kept alone
- • semi-aggressive temperament
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet for Cichlidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical semi-aggressive Cichlidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–82°F
- pH Range
- 5.5–7
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 3/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical semi-aggressive Cichlidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 4 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Similar Species
Nanochromis Parilus
Nanochromis parilus
Apistogramma Hongsloi
Apistogramma hongsloi
Apistogramma Trifasciata
Apistogramma trifasciata
Goby Cichlid
Spathodus erythrodon