Apistogramma Nijsseni

Datasheet

General Description

Apistogramma Nijsseni, also known as the "panda dwarf cichlid," belongs to the Cichlidae family and is classified under Perciformes. It is primarily carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates in nature, with a common diet consisting of live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, and chironomid larvae. The species is relatively small, reaching a maximum size of 8.5cm.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care, a minimum tank size of 60 liters is recommended. The setup should include adequate cover and structures such as ceramic flowerpots, plastic piping, or natural elements like wood roots and branches to create shady spots and caves. The substrate should be soft and sandy with the addition of dried leaf litter, which helps in the growth of beneficial microorganisms and provides a secondary food source for fry. Maintaining dim lighting and incorporating plant species like Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, Cryptocoryne, and Anubias is ideal. Water conditions should be maintained with a pH range of 5.0-6.5, a temperature of 24-28°C, and a hardness of 0-72ppm.

Behaviour

Captive-raised Apistogramma Nijsseni are suitable for community aquariums, while wild examples are best kept alone or with small "dither" fishes like Nannostomus spp. They should ideally not be mixed with other Apistogramma species. The female is mainly responsible for post-spawning care, and in smaller tanks, the male might need to be removed to prevent aggression.

Feeding and Diet

The species is primarily carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates in its natural habitat. In the aquarium, it should be offered a diet of live and frozen foods like Artemia, Daphnia, and chironomid larvae. Most specimens can also be trained to accept dried foods, with pelleted products preferred over flakes.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Apistogramma Nijsseni is a substrate spawner, with females laying eggs in crevices. The female takes care of the eggs and fry post-spawning, occasionally becoming hyper-aggressive and requiring the male's removal. Males are larger, more colorful, and develop extended fins compared to females.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Apistogramma Nijsseni is found in slow-moving blackwater streams, creeks, and tributaries of the Río Ucayali in Loreto Region, northern Peru. These waters are characterized by a low dissolved mineral content, dark brown staining due to organic material, and a pH that can drop as low as 4.0. The habitat features a dense rainforest canopy resulting in minimal light penetration, and the substrate is typically covered with fallen tree branches and decaying leaves.