Amazon Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma pertensis) Care Guide

Apistogramma pertensis is a South American dwarf cichlid; this guide covers its habitat, water parameters, diet, compatibility and breeding.

Overview

Apistogramma pertensis is a dwarf cichlid of the family Cichlidae, described by (Haseman, 1911). It is native to the Amazon River basin, in the lower Negro River and along the Amazon-Solimoes River from Manacapuru to Monte Alegre in Brazil. According to FishBase, it reaches about 3.9 cm in standard length (males to 3.9 cm SL; females to about 4.5 cm TL).

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Scientific name: Apistogramma pertensis
Describing authority: (Haseman, 1911)

Habitat

The Amazon River basin, in the lower Negro River and along the Amazon-Solimoes River from Manacapuru to Monte Alegre in Brazil 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: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
pH: 4-6
GH: 1-3 °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 2020.