Blue Panda Cichlid

About

The panduro (Apistogramma panduro) is a dwarf cichlid from the Amazon basin of Peru, though its precise collection locality remains unclear. It goes by several trade names including blue panda cichlid and azure cichlid, and is sometimes listed under the confusing designation A. sp. 'pandurini'. One handy identification feature is the lower jaw, which noticeably projects past the upper. A reliable way to separate it from visually similar Apistogramma species. Males are the larger and more colorful of the two sexes, as is typical across the genus, which currently spans around 70 described species with plenty more awaiting formal recognition. In the aquarium, the panduro is best treated as an intermediate-level fish. Tank-raised specimens adapt reasonably well to a community setting, but wild-caught individuals are more demanding and do better in a dedicated setup with only small, peaceful dither fish for company. Mixing it with other Apistogramma is generally a bad idea given its territorial streak toward its own kind. Breeding pairs tend to stay monogamous, so there is no real need to keep a harem. Spawning follows classic Apistogramma form. Eggs get deposited on cave ceilings and the female takes full charge of guarding and raising the young, sometimes quite fiercely.