Panda Uaru - Uaru fernandezyepezi

The Panda Uaru is a rare and highly sought-after South American cichlid, admired for its soft, creamy base coloration contrasted by bold black patterning—resembling a panda-like appearance. Its rounded body shape and gentle, expressive movement give it a calm and almost personable presence in the aquarium.

Compared to the more common Uaru amphiacanthoides, the Panda Uaru stays slightly smaller but still grows into a sizable, impressive fish. It is known for its intelligence, social behavior, and strong pair bonding, making it especially rewarding for experienced aquarists.

Care Requirements:
A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for juveniles, with 100+ gallons preferred for adults or groups. They thrive in warm, soft, slightly acidic water with excellent filtration and stable conditions. Provide a spacious aquarium with open swimming areas along with driftwood, rocks, and some cover. They appreciate subdued lighting and a natural-style setup.

• Temperature: 80–86°F
• pH: 5.5–7.0

Clean water and consistency are critical, as they can be sensitive to fluctuations.

Diet:
Panda Uarus are omnivores with a strong preference for plant matter. A high-quality pellet should be supplemented with plenty of vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, peas, and leafy greens. They will also accept frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, but their diet should lean heavily plant-based for proper digestion and health.

Tankmates:
They are generally peaceful for their size but should be housed with similarly sized, calm fish. Suitable tankmates include larger peaceful cichlids, silver dollars, and robust catfish. Avoid small fish that may be eaten, as well as aggressive or highly territorial species.

They do best in pairs or small groups when young, with pairs often forming as they mature.