Tetras with panduro pair

[Gaisller]

What tetra species would you recomend to mix with a panduro pair in a 420 liters tank (1,4m x 0,5m x 0,6m)?

Can I add another apistogramma species too or they will harass each other too much in that space?

Thanks!

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

What tetra species would you recomend

If you want a classic tetra then "Black-neon Tetra" (<"Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi">) would do. I used them as dithers for Apistogramma cacatuoides <"without issue">.

cheers Darrel

 

[MacZ]

What tetra species would you recomend to mix with a panduro pair in a 420 liters tank (1,4m x 0,5m x 0,6m)?

As this qualifies as a (biotope) community tank and the dimensions are generous: Knock yourself out with any species of Hyphessobrycon, Moenkhausia, Hemigrammus, Petitella, Paracheirodon or Nannostomus between 4 and 6 centimeters. Either 20-30 of one species or 15 each of a slender and of a high-backed species.

Please be aware: With tetras in the tank breeding will not be successful due to fry predation. If you want to breed, rather look into a smaller tank to keep the Apistogramma on their own and move them over to the community after 1-2 successful spawn.

Can I add another apistogramma species too or they will harass each other too much in that space?

A. panduro can be quite rough towards other dwarf cichlids in case they start spawning. Rather look into other genera. If you can offer clearwater conditions (EC 60-80µS/cm, GH/KH 0, pH ~5) maybe some Dicrossus might work with them. (But no guarantees on that!)
Generally, I'd not recommend another species of dwarf cichlid with A. panduro.

(And yes, I know people that have done this successfully, but the conditions and the temperament of the individuals are very influential if it works out or not. As there is a certain probability of fish killing each other directly or indirectly I personally would not risk it.)

How about some twig catfish (Rineloricaria, Loricaria, Farlowella) instead as a second species for the lower 2/3 of the water column? Those don't compete with the Apistos for caves like plecos, are not very active at night as most catfish and are not a permanent stress factor in case of spawning like Corydoras would be.

 

[Gaisller]

Hi all,

If you want a classic tetra then "Black-neon Tetra" (<"Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi">) would do. I used them as dithers for Apistogramma cacatuoides <"without issue">.

cheers Darrel

Thanks Darrel, I'll try to get some of them soon.

 

[Gaisller]

As this qualifies as a (biotope) community tank and the dimensions are generous: Knock yourself out with any species of Hyphessobrycon, Moenkhausia, Hemigrammus, Petitella, Paracheirodon or Nannostomus between 4 and 6 centimeters. Either 20-30 of one species or 15 each of a slender and of a high-backed species.

Please be aware: With tetras in the tank breeding will not be successful due to fry predation. If you want to breed, rather look into a smaller tank to keep the Apistogramma on their own and move them over to the community after 1-2 successful spawn.


A. panduro can be quite rough towards other dwarf cichlids in case they start spawning. Rather look into other genera. If you can offer clearwater conditions (EC 60-80µS/cm, GH/KH 0, pH ~5) maybe some Dicrossus might work with them. (But no guarantees on that!)
Generally, I'd not recommend another species of dwarf cichlid with A. panduro.

(And yes, I know people that have done this successfully, but the conditions and the temperament of the individuals are very influential if it works out or not. As there is a certain probability of fish killing each other directly or indirectly I personally would not risk it.)

How about some twig catfish (Rineloricaria, Loricaria, Farlowella) instead as a second species for the lower 2/3 of the water column? Those don't compete with the Apistos for caves like plecos, are not very active at night as most catfish and are not a permanent stress factor in case of spawning like Corydoras would be.

Hello Mac, thanks for answer.

I'll problably go with 15 of each type.

If I work with just a male panduro, would you still not recomend mix with any other dwarf?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MacZ]

If I work with just a male panduro, would you still not recomend mix with any other dwarf?

Yes, I'd still recommend not doing it or with maximum caution and a second, smaller tank with identical conditions for instant separation if needed.

 

[Gaisller]

Yes, I'd still recommend not doing it or with maximum caution and a second, smaller tank with identical conditions for instant separation if needed.

Ok, notes taken.

Thank you very much.