Iniridae Apisto (Apistogramma iniridae) Care Guide
Apistogramma iniridae is a Colombian blackwater dwarf cichlid restricted to the Inirida River basin and listed as Vulnerable by IUCN.
Overview
Apistogramma iniridae is a dwarf cichlid described by Kullander in 1979. The species name refers to the Rio Inirida in Guainia, Colombia, where the type material was collected. It is a blackwater specialist with a restricted range.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma iniridae
- Described by: Kullander, 1979
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Orinoco River basin, specifically the Inirida River basin in Colombia. Like most Apistogramma, it occupies sheltered freshwater with leaf litter and slow water movement (Wikipedia, genus account).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 26-30 C (79-86 F)
- pH: 4.0-6.0
- GH: 1-3 dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
Members of the genus are omnivorous but tend toward micropredation, taking insect larvae and small invertebrates (Wikipedia). In the aquarium, Apistogramma are best offered live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia and chironomid larvae, with most accepting dried pellets (Seriously Fish, genus account).
Compatibility
The KB record classifies the species as bottom-dwelling and semi-aggressive. For the genus, Seriously Fish advises keeping wild fish alone or with small dither fishes and not mixing different Apistogramma in one aquarium.
Breeding
As a typical Apistogramma it spawns in crevices or cavities, with the female providing most post-spawning care of eggs and fry (Seriously Fish, genus account; Wikipedia).
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (criteria B1ab(iii,v), assessed 1 August 2020), per FishBase, reflecting its restricted distribution and habitat pressures.