Dark-Backed Apisto (Apistogramma eremnopyge) Care Guide
Apistogramma eremnopyge is a South American dwarf cichlid; this guide covers its habitat, water parameters, diet, compatibility and breeding.
Overview
Apistogramma eremnopyge is a dwarf cichlid of the family Cichlidae, described by Ready & Kullander, 2004. It is native to the Rio Pintuyacu, a tributary of the Rio Itaya in Peru. According to FishBase, it reaches about 3.4 cm in standard length (males to 3.4 cm SL; females to 2.8 cm SL).
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Apistogramma eremnopyge
- Describing authority: Ready & Kullander, 2004
Habitat
The Rio Pintuyacu, a tributary of the Rio Itaya in Peru forms the natural range of this species. It inhabits soft, acidic blackwater stained amber by tannins from decaying leaf litter, with little water movement. Apistogramma species typically occur in shallow water, often less than 40 cm deep.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (~21 US gal)
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-4 °dGH
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
Apistogramma are omnivores that lean toward micropredation, feeding on aquatic insect larvae, small invertebrates and other tiny prey in nature. In the aquarium they take live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and water fleas, and many specimens also accept prepared foods.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive, bottom-oriented dwarf cichlid. It is best kept with peaceful upper- and mid-water dither fish such as Cardinal Tetra, Rummy-Nose Tetra, Sterbai Corydoras, Hatchetfish. Housing more than one male of the same species, or combining it with angelfish or larger aggressive cichlids, is discouraged because of territorial conflict, particularly during breeding.
Breeding
Apistogramma are cave spawners. Eggs are laid on the ceiling of a cave or sheltered cavity, and the female tends the eggs and fry while the male guards the wider territory. Soft, slightly acidic water supports spawning.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC), assessed 2014.