All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.
Apistogramma pandurini
Description:
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Appearance:
- Body: Small, robust, and compact with a laterally compressed shape.
- Color: Males are known for their striking appearance, featuring a vibrant combination of colors including bright blues, reds, and oranges. The body often shows a mix of these hues with contrasting patterns. Females are generally less colorful but may still exhibit subtle shades of orange and blue.
- Fins: Males have long, flowing fins with vivid coloration and sometimes elaborate extensions. Females have shorter fins and are less ornate.
- Size: Males typically grow to 2.5-3.5 inches (6.5-9 cm) in length, while females are slightly smaller, around 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm).
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Behavior:
- Generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding periods.
- Prefers to inhabit the bottom and mid-levels of the tank and may establish and defend territories.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum of 20 gallons (76 liters) for a pair; larger tanks are preferable if keeping multiple fish or to provide more space and reduce territorial disputes.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C).
- pH: 6.0-7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
- Filtration: Good filtration is important for maintaining water quality, but avoid strong currents that can stress the fish.
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Tank Setup:
- Aquascaping: Provide plenty of hiding spots and territories with driftwood, rocks, and dense plants. Apistogrammas appreciate having secure areas for shelter and breeding.
- Substrate: Soft substrate such as sand or fine gravel is ideal, allowing for natural behaviors like digging and foraging.
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Diet:
- Omnivorous; offer a varied diet including high-quality pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods such as worms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans.
- Supplement with occasional vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Males can be territorial and may exhibit aggression towards other males, especially during breeding. Ensure sufficient hiding spots and visual barriers to minimize conflicts.
- Females are generally less aggressive but can become protective of their breeding area.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and cleanliness.
- Regularly monitor and adjust water parameters to ensure a stable environment.
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Health Care:
- Observe for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like spots or lesions.
- Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of disease.