Apistogramma: species, keeping, breeding
Apistogramma, from the family of cichlids, live in the upper reaches of narrow channels of South American rivers with soft bottoms. The fish have a moderately elongated body, compressed at the sides and ending in a triangular or rounded tail. The head is pointed with large eyes. The scales are contrasting and clearly visible. The size of dwarf cichlids ranges from 3 to 12 cm. Males are larger than females. Life expectancy is 3-5 years.
Water temperature for most species is 25-29°C. Apistogramma are predators. Fish are offered live food, changing species periodically. Dwarf cichlids are sensitive to poisons and medicines. Learn more about keeping, breeding, feeding and compatibility with other fish. In the last century there were 10 species. Today, we will name the top 5 Apistogramma presented in Russian aquariums:
Apistogramma Cacatuoides in the video above is a peaceful fish, but goes into a rage when spawning or protecting fry. Male cockatoos form harems, which is typical of this species. The correct sex ratio is one male to three females. A 100 litre aquarium with plenty of secluded areas, densely planted with plants, tree stumps, rocks and flower pots is an Apistogramma's dream. Dark ground, the presence of floating plants combined with low lighting will provide comfort.
The elongated Apistogramma agassizi is characterised by moderately compressed sides. Males have an elongated tail, while females have a rounded tail. The colour variation of the Agassiz depends on where it is caught. Males are lighter in colour. The upper part of the dorsal fin is orange-red, the forehead is yellow, the back is green, and there is a broad horizontal dark band on the sides from the tip of the snout through the eye to the tip of the tail. The colouration of the belly varies from golden to green-blue. Females are more subdued in colour, with yellow fins.
Apistogramma borellii is a rare but very beautiful dwarf cichlid. The maximum size is 6.8 cm. For a pair of these fish, set aside an area of 45 x 30 cm. Place a few broken ceramic flower pots on the sandy bottom and a few pieces of plastic pipe. Tree roots will give a more natural look and tree stumps will provide some shade.
Apistogramma macmasteri on the Russian market is supplied by foreign and Russian breeders. Native fish are offered by shops on an ad hoc basis. In fact, the imported fish known in the trade as macmasters belong to the large groups of species Apistogramma rotpunkt, alacrina and macmasteri. Each of these dwarf cichlids lives on its own and there is general confusion on the market. Apistogramma macmastera is unpretentious in terms of water parameters, not demanding in terms of food, but aggressive.
Prior to the 1998 revision, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi was known as Apistogramma ramirezi. This fish lives in the tributaries of the Meta River in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. It prefers stagnant marshes, lakes with calm currents and silty sandy bottoms. It was described in 1948, the same year it was introduced to Europe, and in Russia since 1954. One of the most popular, beautiful and unforgettable small cichlids with a length of 5-6 cm. Ramirezi are cheerful pets, with interesting behaviour, getting along with many peaceful fish species.
Apistogramma keeping
A 40 litre aquarium is required for a pair of dwarf cichlids. For 5cm Apistogramma - at least 70 litres. It is the bottom area that is important, not the volume of the tank. The fish will look more natural in an aquarium designed for South America. The bottom should be sandy or with small pebbles. Along the walls - dense thickets of aquatic vegetation. Pots, tree stumps visually divide the bottom into separate territories for groups of fish. A pair of flat stones - a place for spawning. To enhance the colour on the bottom, put beech, oak leaves. A final drop of Tetra ToruMin Conditioner will create the effect of "dark" tropical water. Comfortable parameters: water temperature 25-30°C, pH 6-7.5, dGH <15.
Apistogramma are sensitive to the level of nitrogen compounds, so the aquarium is equipped with a powerful external filter. Weekly water changes of up to one third of the aquarium volume. Fish are susceptible to disease in cool water. Shade the ground from bright light floating on the surface of the plants.
Photos are clickable
Apistogramma compatibility
Dwarf cichlids will get along with viviparous guppies, pecilias, swordtails in the same aquarium. Good neighbours - Neons, Rhodostomus, Rasboras. There will be problems with barbs, Lalius, glass catfish, scalarians. The larger the neighbouring fish, the more likely Apistoramma will be attacked. Compatibility with shrimp is not clear. Adult, large individuals will not touch Apistogramma. Small shrimp will regard them as live food. Interesting combination with discus - both fish are comfortable at +30°C.
Apistogramma feeding
In a community aquarium with active neighbours, Apistogramma will lose the food competition. Choose Tetra Cichlid Mini Granules, which sink slowly to the bottom, where the Apistogramma can snack in peace. In a natural biotope, the fish's diet consists of insects, larvae, worms and fry of other fish. Diversify the menu with cut moths, Tetra FreshDelica food with popular invertebrates + nutritious jelly.
Enhance and intensify the bright yellow, orange and red tones in the food with a high content of natural carotenoids. The aquarist will see the results after a few weeks of regular feeding. Remember that Apistogramma tend to overeat. Feed frequently but in smaller portions. Large flakes or chips should be crushed.
Apistogramma breeding
Apistogramma are ready to breed in a shared aquarium and spawning tank. In most cichlids, the care of the offspring is poorly developed. Fish lay eggs in caves, grottoes, under rocks, on the underside of broad-leaved plants. Some species are polygamous and form pairs for life. Pairs artificially created by the aquarist are not always successful. We recommend buying a group of fish and waiting for the Apistogramma to form a pair.
To stimulate spawning, increase the temperature, add soft water and provide plenty of food. The female lays 70-400 eggs. The male guards the boundaries of the clutch and the female takes care of the eggs. If the pair does a poor job of caring for the offspring, or starts eating the eggs, they will be removed. The aquarist takes care of the offspring. Add antifungal medication to the spawning tank.
Incubation of eggs takes 2-4 days. Larvae hatch immobile for a few days, then start swimming independently. At the age of 3 months, fry start to change colour. More males appear in warm and soft water.