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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Apistogramma pertensis Breeding Guide
Overview
Apistogramma pertensis is a small benthopelagic dwarf cichlid of the Amazon River basin, occurring in the lower Negro River and along the Amazon-Solimoes from Manacapuru to Monte Alegre. According to FishBase it is a cave spawner: eggs are deposited on the ceiling of caves and tended by the female parent. Following the genus pattern, the female provides maternal care while the male holds a territory.
Sexing
The species is sexually dimorphic in size, with males reaching about 3.9 cm SL and females about 4.5 cm. As across the genus, breeding females are most frequently yellow with blackish markings, while males show stronger coloration and more developed fins.
Conditioning
As a small predatory dwarf cichlid, A. pertensis is conditioned on small live and frozen foods. Stable soft, acidic water and consistent feeding bring females into spawning condition, reproducing the soft blackwater of the lower Negro and Amazon-Solimoes reaches it inhabits according to FishBase.
Breeding Setup
Provide caves with a ceiling to which eggs can be attached, in a soft, acidic tank. FishBase reports a temperature of 23-30 degrees C, a pH from about 5.5 upward and dH from about 5, reflecting the soft blackwater habitat of the Rio Negro.
Spawning Behaviour & Trigger
Spawning takes place inside a cave. According to FishBase the female deposits about 120 eggs on the cave ceiling and tends the clutch, providing exclusive parental care until the eggs hatch and the fry develop.
Egg & Fry Care
The female tends the eggs on the cave ceiling and then guards and leads the larvae after hatching. The male defends the surrounding territory rather than tending the brood directly, in line with the typical Apistogramma division of roles.
Common Challenges
As a soft-water Rio Negro species, A. pertensis is sensitive to water quality, so maintaining stable, soft and acidic conditions is the principal requirement for successful egg development and fry survival. Wikipedia notes that across the genus water conditions affect offspring sex ratios, with warmer water and, in some species, lower pH producing more males; keeping parameters stable and moderate therefore helps yield balanced broods.