Inconsuelos Apisto Care Guide
Apistogramma inconsuelos is a hardy Brazilian dwarf cichlid from the Tocantins basin that adapts to a range of soft, warm water conditions.
Overview
Apistogramma inconsuelos is a dwarf cichlid of the family Cichlidae native to the Tocantins river drainage in Brazil. Members of the genus Apistogramma occur in tropical and subtropical South America, with several species inhabiting the Atlantic-flowing rivers of northern Brazil including the Tocantins-Araguaia system. It is regarded as a hardy, adaptable species that accepts a range of water parameters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma inconsuelos
Habitat
The genus typically occupies slow-moving, shallow water, often only tens of centimetres deep, over leaf-litter substrates with abundant cover from sunken wood and roots. Such biotopes are usually warm and soft. The Tocantins basin habitats of this species reflect these sheltered, structurally complex conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
A sand substrate, leaf litter and several cave-like retreats suit this bottom-oriented species and provide spawning sites and territorial boundaries.
Diet
Apistogramma are micropredators that feed on aquatic insect larvae and other small invertebrates, supplemented in nature by fish fry, algae and plant debris. In the aquarium they take small live and frozen foods alongside suitable prepared diets, fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a bottom-dwelling, semi-aggressive species. Males are intolerant of rival Apistogramma males, and the fish is best kept away from large or aggressive cichlids and angelfish. Peaceful upper-water dither fish such as small tetras and pencilfish make suitable companions, with bottom-dwelling corydoras as tankmates.
Breeding
Like most of the genus, A. inconsuelos is a cave spawner. Eggs are deposited in a crevice or cave and tended by the female, while reproductive systems in Apistogramma range from monogamous pairs to polygamous harems. Breeding difficulty is considered intermediate.