Pucallpa Apisto (Apistogrammoides pucallpaensis) Care Guide
Apistogrammoides pucallpaensis is a South American dwarf cichlid; this guide covers its habitat, water parameters, diet, compatibility and breeding.
Overview
Apistogrammoides pucallpaensis is a dwarf cichlid of the family Cichlidae, described by Meinken, 1965. It is native to the upper Amazon, from Pucallpa on the Rio Ucayali in Peru to the Amazon River in Colombia; it typically lives among leaf litter or floating plants in still water. Wild specimens mature at about 3 cm (males) and around 2 cm (females). Although listed in some sources under Apistogramma, this species is placed in the genus Apistogrammoides, which differs mainly in a higher number of anal-fin spines. It is among the smallest of all cichlids.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Apistogrammoides pucallpaensis
- Describing authority: Meinken, 1965
Habitat
The upper Amazon, from Pucallpa on the Rio Ucayali in Peru to the Amazon River in Colombia; it typically lives among leaf litter or floating plants in still water 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: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-4 °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: undefined.