Caete Apisto (Apistogramma caetei) Care Guide
A small Brazilian dwarf cichlid from the Caete and Apeu rivers in Para; a cave-spawning species that breeds in harems.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Apistogramma caetei is a small Brazilian dwarf cichlid. According to FishBase it reaches about 3.6 cm standard length in males and around 4.0 cm in females, and is a benthopelagic freshwater fish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma caetei
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Apeu and Caete rivers near Braganca in Para state, Brazil. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic species.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
FishBase lists a natural pH around 6.5-7.0 and temperatures of roughly 23-30 °C for the species. A soft sandy substrate with caves and shade suits dwarf cichlids of this genus.
Diet
FishBase gives a trophic level of about 3.3, consistent with a largely carnivorous, invertebrate-based diet. In aquaria, dwarf cichlids of this genus accept small live and frozen foods.
Compatibility
A bottom-oriented, semi-aggressive dwarf cichlid. As with related species, it is best not mixed with other Apistogramma, angelfish or aggressive cichlids; small dither fishes such as cardinal tetra, rummy-nose tetra, Sterbai corydoras and hatchetfish are suitable companions.
Breeding
FishBase describes it as a cave spawner: a maximum of about 200 eggs are deposited on the cave ceiling, with female parental care, and it forms harems when the opportunity arises.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).
Apistogramma caetei Breeding Guide
Overview
Apistogramma caetei is a dwarf cichlid from the Apeu and Caete rivers in Braganca, Para, Brazil. FishBase records males to 3.6 cm SL and females to 4.0 cm, with a broad temperature tolerance of 23-30 C and pH around 6.5-7.0. It is a cave spawner with female brood care and behaves as a harem spawner when the opportunity arises.
Sexing
FishBase records females slightly larger than males in standard length for this species (males to 3.6 cm, females to 4.0 cm SL). For the genus, males additionally tend to show more extended, pointed unpaired fins and stronger colour.
Conditioning
The species is a carnivorous micropredator (FishBase trophic level about 3.3) best conditioned on small live and frozen invertebrate foods. It tolerates a wide temperature range, making conditioning relatively forgiving.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature: 23-30 C (FishBase)
- pH: 6.5-7.0 (FishBase)
- dH: from about 10 (FishBase)
- Spawning sites: enclosed caves; eggs deposited on the cave ceiling
- Layout: sand substrate with stones forming caves to allow a harem
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase states that a maximum of 200 eggs are deposited on the cave ceiling and the female tends the clutch, and that the species is a harem spawner when the opportunity arises. Consistent with the genus, a male holds a territory containing several females. Stable, soft to neutral, warm water reproducing the natural habitat encourages spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
The female tends the clutch of up to 200 eggs on the cave ceiling and guards the larvae and free-swimming fry, while the male defends the territory, following the harem care pattern recorded for this species and the genus. For Apistogramma generally, warmer water tends to produce more males.
Common Challenges
This is one of the hardier, more adaptable species in the genus, so the main concerns are providing secure caves and stable water. IUCN lists A. caetei as Least Concern (assessed 2018).