Apistogramma panduro

Apistogramma panduro (A-183), also commonly referred to as Apistogramma pandurini,[2] is a small species of freshwater fish, a cichlid from the Amazon river basin in Peru.[3] This dwarf cichlid is closely related to Apistogramma nijsseni, so much so that they are placed in the Apistogramma nijessni species group. Some common names for Apistogramma panduro are Blue Panda Apisto and Panduros’ apisto.[2]

Apistogramma panduro
male above, female below
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Apistogramma
Species:
A. panduro
Binomial name
Apistogramma panduro
U. Römer, 1997

Origin

Their name is derived from the Peruvian fish exporters who first collected this fish within the limited ranges in the western Amazon region, captured within the blackwater streams near Colonia, Peru.[4] These waters are particularly softer and more acidic (pH < 6) with a sandy substrate. The distribution of the Apistogramma nijsseni species group (to which A. panduro belongs) occurs in isolated blackwater tributaries of the Marañon River, Ucayali River, Nanay River and Napo River of Peru, which drain to ancient Napo Superfan.[5] They have a tendency for these low speed branching waterways found most commonly under cover due to increased light diffusion into the water by leaves and other shade sources.

Aquarium

A pair of Apistogramma panduro require on average an aquarium tank that is 60x30x30 centimeters in dimension. When planning to breed or when more individuals are included, larger tanks may be required. Aquarium accessories or decor have low impact on Apistogramma panduro as they seem to not be influenced on objects located within their space as long as these items are not too limiting to the overall free tank area. If it is a goal to recreate natural habitats for the aquarium soft substrate, and shaded areas provided by artificial leaves or large overhang would create this best. Additionally, the overall composition of the water could be naturalized by the addition of tank grade peat in filter systems. This would replicate the sediment/substrate rich habitat Apistogramma panduro is found in greatest abundance. This addition would stabilize pH and inoculate microbial production within the sediment which can provide as an additional/natural food source. Water flow and filtration should be minimal avoiding water replacement of the peat. Primarily, shaded lighting or dim lighting is most preferred, along with non-toxic aquatic plants that would provide shade or floating vegetation that would allow for further diffusion of light through the tank.[6]

Maintenance

Apistogramma panduros are not known to be picky eaters and can adapt to most high quality foods. Live foods are best when breeding these fish. A. panduros form strong pair bonds and spawn in the typical Apistogramma fashion, with their broods being particularly more smaller than most species. Fry will normally easily take newly hatched brine shrimp and the level of care is typical for the genus.

Breeding

If you are planning to breed a pair of Apistogramma panduro, the best method is to buy them as juveniles and allow them to choose their own partner in your aquarium.[2] When your pair is at maturity, breeding can be accomplished in a 15-gallon aquarium. Apistogramma panduro spawn in water with a low pH. The breeding pair can be fed a variety of live food, frozen meaty foods, and flake food.[2] Females are very devoted to their young, they care for both the eggs and larvae.[3] An ideal breeding aquarium includes rocks, moderate lighting, fine sand, caves, and live plants. One type of plant that would work well in this community is Java moss. Java moss makes a good home for infusoria, which is the fry's first food. Once the fry mature they can eat microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp. However, a water change must be completed after feeding live food to ensure proper water quality.

References
  1. Ortega Torres, H. (2016). "Apistogramma panduro". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T49829508A53817073. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T49829508A53817073.en.
  2. "Apistogramma panduro". www.aquaticcommunity.com. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  3. "Apistogramma panduro summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  4. Wiltshire, Bob. "Apistogramma panduro - Dwarfcichlid.com". www.dwarfcichlid.com. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  5. "Welcome to Martin and Toms Homepage". apisto.sites.no. Archived from the original on 2017-04-11. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  6. "Apistogramma panduro". Seriously Fish. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
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