Apistogramma nijsseni, also known as the Panda Dwarf Cichlid, originates from the Amazon basin, particularly tributaries of the Rio Ucavali in Peru, thriving in soft, acidic blackwater with lots of plants, wood, and leaf litter for shelter. In the aquarium, they need similar conditions (soft, acidic water), a varied diet of small live/frozen foods (like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms), and plenty of hiding spots, with males showing blue flanks and females having distinct black/yellow patterns, making them popular but demanding dwarf cichlids.