Rositae Apisto (Apistogramma rositae) Care Guide
Apistogramma rositae is a small dwarf cichlid from forest streams of northwestern Peru, described in 2006 and currently Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Apistogramma rositae is a small freshwater dwarf cichlid described by Römer, Römer & Hahn in 2006. According to FishBase it occurs in northwestern Peru, where it appears confined to forest streams with cool, clear water. It is a benthopelagic tropical species reaching about 4 cm in length. It belongs to Apistogramma, which the Wikipedia genus account describes as the most species-rich cichlid genus in the Americas, alongside Crenicichla, with around 93 recognised species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma rositae
- Described by: Römer, Römer & Hahn, 2006
Habitat
FishBase records this species from northwestern Peru and notes it appears confined to forest streams preferring cool, clear water. More broadly, Apistogramma occupy sheltered, shallow margins of streams and rivers with leaf litter and little current in lowland South America east of the Andes.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-4 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 4.0 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
A soft sandy substrate with wood, roots and dried leaf litter forming shaded caves suits the genus. Wild Apistogramma often require very soft, acidic water.
Diet
FishBase assigns a trophic level of about 3.3, consistent with a carnivorous diet. Apistogramma feed mainly on benthic invertebrates such as insect larvae in nature and accept small live and frozen foods such as Artemia and Daphnia in the aquarium.
Compatibility
A bottom-dwelling, territorial dwarf cichlid best kept with small, peaceful mid- and upper-water fish such as tetras. Multiple Apistogramma males and larger or aggressive cichlids should be avoided in confined tanks.
Breeding
Like other members of the genus, Apistogramma rositae is a cave spawner. Females typically guard the eggs and fry inside a crevice or cave while the male defends the surrounding territory.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2014), per the FishBase summary.
Apistogramma rositae Breeding Guide
Overview
Apistogramma rositae is a dwarf cichlid from northwestern Peru (FishBase). FishBase reports that it is confined to forest streams and prefers cooler, clear water, and lists it as Data Deficient (assessed 2014). The species is named for Rosita Bonhaus. As a member of Apistogramma it is bred following genus biology, as no species-specific spawning account was found in the consulted whitelisted sources.
Sexing
FishBase records a maximum standard length of 4.0 cm. Detailed dimorphism for A. rositae is not given there; 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
No species-specific conditioning is documented in the consulted sources. The KB record classifies A. rositae as a carnivore fed twice daily; a varied diet supports breeding condition, consistent with the genus' carnivorous micro-predator habits.
Breeding Setup
Nearly all Apistogramma species spawn in crevices such as small caves in sunken wood or in leaf-litter aggregations (Wikipedia), so enclosed spawning sites should be provided. The KB record lists a minimum volume of 80 L with temperatures of 25-29 °C, pH 4.5-6.5 and GH 1-4. FishBase notes a preference for cooler, clear water in the wild.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Following genus behaviour, the female prepares a cave and deposits eggs, which she then tends; Apistogramma breed either in polygamous harems or as monogamous pairs (Wikipedia). A species-specific trigger for A. rositae was not documented.
Egg & Fry Care
In Apistogramma the female is more highly involved in caring for eggs and fry while the male defends the territory from predators (Wikipedia). The fry sex ratio is influenced by water conditions: warmer water produces more males, and in some species lower pH also produces more males (Wikipedia).
Common Challenges
FishBase classifies A. rositae as Data Deficient, reflecting limited documentation of its biology. The KB record rates breeding difficulty as advanced, consistent with the soft, acidic water the genus requires for eggs to develop.