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Blue Bandit Cichlid
Blue Bandit Cichlid
Low stock: 6 left
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Remarks: The blue bandit cichlid is one of the six described species of bandit cichlid. Like other bandit cichlids, their bodies are typically tan or silver in color with the fins sometimes taking on a yellow or blue hue and the face sometimes turning yellow when in breeding dress. The blue bandit cichlid is said to be a species that is most likely to show more of this blue coloration. This species is being bred in captivity more frequently resulting in those typically available to hobbyists being more hardy compared to wild specimens.
The different species of bandit cichlids are usually told apart by looking to the black markings on the fins, head, and body. The blue bandit cichlid presents the typical black mask, but it comes to more of a point at the bottom and the black wedge-shaped spot on the flanks is very wide but not very saturated so it can sometimes appear gray. The black spot within the wedge and below the lateral line is typically visible and is fairly large compared to the same marking in other species. Along with these markings, the very front of the dorsal fin will also have a black spot.
Care for any kind of bandit cichlid is the same. While most are fairly hardy and adaptable, they do best when kept in soft, warm, and somewhat acidic conditions. A sandy substrate is appreciated as they will engage in sand-sifting behavior, keeping them on a coarse sand or gravel substrate can result in choking or damage to the mouth and gills. Driftwood and leaf litter will help keep the pH down and provide hiding spots for the bandit cichlid. Plants typically are not recommended as they will nibble them and uproot them as they rearrange the decor within the tank. Terracotta pots can be great hiding spots and can even encourage breeding behavior as bandit cichlids are cave spawners.
As they are a medium-sized cichlid, a 40 gallon tank can be sufficient for a small pair of bandit cichlids. However, despite their not terribly aggressive demeanor, a much larger tank of 75-90 gallons or more is recommended if wanting to keep these fish in a community setting. Bandit cichlids can become territorial, especially when spawning, so plenty of space and breaks in line of sight are needed to help keep the peace. There is also a danger of them eating any fish they are kept with that can fit in their mouths. If all these aspects are taken into consideration, the bandit cichlid can be an excellent addition to many aquariums.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Guyana
- Breeding: Tank-raised in Indonesia
- Max adult size: 5-6"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Care skill: Intermediate
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 76°F - 82°F
- pH range: 5.5 - 7.5
- TDS range: 50 ppm - 150 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Next Day Air | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Next Day Air | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Next Day Air | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 | UPS Next Day Air | $69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS Next Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS Next Day Air | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS Next Day Air | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS Next Day Air | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 | UPS Next Day Air | $69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS Next Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee