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An elongated fish with its first rays being very similar to those of the
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid. These rays are pointed and usually tipped with
red. The red tips actually continue on all the rays. The rest of the dorsal
fin is dark violet in color. The caudal fin is rounded and has a red tinge.
The anal fin is violet-red, while the pelvic fins in white and elongated.
The body is whitish-yellow in color and marked with three lateral
stripes. The first runs along the base of the dorsal fin; the second runs
from the snout, through the eye, and to the caudal fin; the third runs near
the belly. The males grow to 2.3" (6 cm), and the females to 1.5" (4 cm)
They are from South American and inhabit the black water lagoons and
ponds that have leafy bottoms. They are normally bottom dwellers of the
tank.
They should be housed in a tank of 30 gallons (114 L) which is fine for
a harem of fish. Be sure to provide a cave or flower pot for each female.
Follow suggestions for A. borellii . They should also have water
parameters of pH 5-7.2 (6.5), 0-12 dH (3),and water temperature should
be 79-84°F (26-29°F)
These fish are territorial fish that should be kept in a ratio of three to
four female to every one male. This species is peaceful, outside of the
spawning season, towards other fish such as Corydoras , tetras,
pencilfish, hatchetfish, Loricarids. They do well when fed a diet
consisting of foods such as crustaceans, insects, insect larvae; finely
chopped meat; possibly flakes.
Males are larger, more colorful, and have more elaborate fins. Males will
form harems. While caring for the brood the female may develop a
bright yellow body color. When preparing to breed these fish you should
use water with a pH from 6.0-6.5, a water hardness of 1-4 dH, and a
temperature from 82-86°F (28-30°C). Follow suggestions for other
Apistogramma species. The female lays up to 100 eggs which are very
carefully cared for. The fry will be guarded for several weeks after they
are free-swimming. Females may steal other female's broods.
Occasionally, females may round up groups of Daphnia to care for,
when they have lost or failed to produce a brood. Start feeding with
Artemia nauplii. They are moderately difficult to breed and you should
perform only partial water changes as this species is sensitive to changes
in water conditions.
