Norbert's Apisto (Apistogramma norberti) Care Guide
Apistogramma norberti is a Peruvian dwarf cichlid from jungle streams near Iquitos, kept in soft, acidic water.
Overview
Apistogramma norberti is a dwarf cichlid described by Staeck in 1991 and named after aquarist Norbert Wiesheu, who first kept the species and established its origin. It comes from the Peruvian Amazon near Iquitos.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma norberti
- Described by: Staeck, 1991
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Tahuayo River basin within the Amazon basin of Peru. Seriously Fish adds the Rio Tahuayo and Rio Tamshiyacu basins near Iquitos, in minor jungle streams that undergo significant changes in water volume through the year.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 25-29 C (77-84 F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-5 dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
The species is primarily carnivorous and feeds mostly on benthic invertebrates in nature (Seriously Fish). In the aquarium it accepts live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm, plus dried pellets.
Compatibility
According to Seriously Fish, captive-raised specimens suit community tanks, while wild fish should be kept alone or with small dither fishes such as certain tetras or livebearers and should not be mixed with other Apistogramma. The KB record lists it as bottom-dwelling and semi-aggressive.
Breeding
It is a substrate spawner that lays eggs in crevices, with the female providing post-spawning care; in smaller tanks the male may require removal due to female aggression. Seriously Fish notes that base dimensions of about 45 x 30 cm suit a single breeding pair.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 25 April 2014), per FishBase.