Lueling's Apisto (Apistogramma luelingi) Care Guide
Apistogramma luelingi is a South American dwarf cichlid; this guide covers its habitat, water parameters, diet, compatibility and breeding.
Overview
Apistogramma luelingi is a dwarf cichlid of the family Cichlidae, described by Kullander, 1976. It is native to the Madre de Dios and Mamore River basins within the Amazon River system. According to FishBase, it reaches about 3.3 cm in standard length (males to 3.3 cm SL; females to 2.9 cm SL).
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Apistogramma luelingi
- Describing authority: Kullander, 1976
Habitat
The Madre de Dios and Mamore River basins within the Amazon River system forms the natural range of this species. Like most members of the genus, it favours sheltered margins of streams and creeks with leaf litter and gentle flow. Apistogramma species typically occur in shallow water, often less than 40 cm deep.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (~21 US gal)
- Temperature: 23-28 °C (73-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Adult size: 5-8 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.