Pulchra Apisto (Apistogramma pulchra) Care Guide
Apistogramma pulchra is a small carnivorous dwarf cichlid from the Madeira River basin in Brazil, described by Kullander in 1980.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Apistogramma pulchra is a small freshwater dwarf cichlid described by Kullander in 1980. According to FishBase, it inhabits the Madeira River basin within the Amazon drainage of Brazil. It is a benthopelagic species of tropical lowland waters and reaches only a few centimetres in length, with males more colourful than females.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma pulchra
- Described by: Kullander, 1980
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the Madeira River basin, part of the Amazon system in Brazil. Apistogramma as a genus is found in lowland South America east of the Andes and typically occupies sheltered, shallow margins of streams, rivers and lakes where leaf litter collects and water movement is low.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-4 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
A soft sandy substrate with wood, roots and dried leaf litter forming shaded retreats and caves suits Apistogramma. Wild populations of the genus often require very soft, acidic water, and reported pH values for breeding can fall well below 6.
Diet
FishBase assigns a trophic level of around 3.2, consistent with a carnivorous diet. Members of the genus feed mainly on benthic invertebrates such as aquatic insect larvae in nature. In the aquarium they accept small live and frozen foods including Artemia and Daphnia.
Compatibility
This is a bottom-dwelling, territorial dwarf cichlid. Suitable companions are small, peaceful mid- and upper-water species such as tetras. Multiple Apistogramma males and larger or aggressive cichlids should be avoided in confined quarters.
Breeding
Apistogramma pulchra is a cave spawner. FishBase notes that eggs are deposited on cave ceilings and tended by the female, with breeding males developing extended fin filaments and stronger coloration. Females provide most of the brood care while the male defends the territory.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020), per the FishBase summary.
Apistogramma pulchra Breeding Guide
Overview
Apistogramma pulchra is a dwarf cichlid from the Madeira River basin within the Amazon drainage in Brazil (FishBase). According to FishBase, eggs are deposited on the ceiling of caves and are tended by the female parent, placing this species among the cave-spawning Apistogramma. FishBase lists it as Least Concern (assessed 2020). Like other members of the genus, it is best bred in soft, acidic water.
Sexing
FishBase records males reaching barely 5 cm and females barely 2.5 cm, with a standard length around 3.2 cm; males are therefore notably larger. FishBase notes that males display extended fin filaments when breeding, whereas females have rounded fins. Across the genus Apistogramma, males are generally larger and more colourful, while females in breeding condition are most frequently yellow with blackish markings (Wikipedia).
Conditioning
FishBase does not detail species-specific conditioning for A. pulchra. Genus-level sources describe Apistogramma as carnivorous micro-predators; the KB record classifies the species as a carnivore fed twice daily, and a varied diet supports spawning condition.
Breeding Setup
As a cave spawner, A. pulchra requires enclosed spawning sites; nearly all Apistogramma species spawn in crevices such as holes in sunken wood or aggregations of leaf litter (Wikipedia). Soft, acidic water is appropriate for the genus. The KB record lists a minimum tank volume of 80 L with temperatures of 25-29 °C, pH 4.5-6.5 and GH 1-4.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Within the genus, the female selects and prepares a cave and deposits eggs on its ceiling, which she then tends (FishBase; Wikipedia). Apistogramma form either polygamous harems or monogamous pairs depending on species and arrangement (Wikipedia).
Egg & Fry Care
FishBase states the eggs are tended by the female parent. More generally, in Apistogramma the female is more highly involved in caring for eggs and fry while the male defends the surrounding territory from predators (Wikipedia). The sex ratio of the fry is influenced by water conditions: warmer water produces more males, and in some species lower pH also produces more males (Wikipedia).
Common Challenges
Species-specific breeding difficulties for A. pulchra are not documented in the consulted sources. The KB record rates breeding difficulty as advanced, consistent with the soft, acidic conditions the genus requires for eggs to develop.