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.
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).