Urteagai Apisto (Apistogramma urteagai) Care Guide
Apistogramma urteagai is a dwarf cichlid from small streams and swamps of the Madre de Dios basin in Peru, described by Kullander in 1986.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Apistogramma urteagai is a small freshwater dwarf cichlid described by Kullander in 1986. According to FishBase it occurs in the Madre de Dios River basin, part of the Amazon system in Peru, where it inhabits small streams and swamps. It is a benthopelagic species reaching about 4 cm in length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma urteagai
- Described by: Kullander, 1986
Habitat
FishBase records this species from the Madre de Dios River basin within the Amazon drainage of Peru, in small streams and swamps. Reported field conditions include temperatures of 22-29 °C and pH 5.0-6.0. The genus generally occupies sheltered, leaf-littered, slow-moving lowland waters.
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 4.1 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; FishBase reports a field pH of 5.0-6.0 for this species.
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 urteagai 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: Least Concern (assessed 2014), per the FishBase summary.
Apistogramma urteagai Breeding Guide
Overview
Apistogramma urteagai, described by Kullander in 1986, is a dwarf cichlid from the Madre de Dios River basin in Peru. FishBase records a maximum length of 4.1 cm SL and notes it inhabits small streams and swamps. It is a cave spawner with female brood care; where species data is limited, the guide draws on the documented breeding pattern of the genus Apistogramma.
Sexing
Specific dimorphism for A. urteagai is not detailed in available scientific sources. For the genus, males are generally larger with more extended, pointed unpaired fins and stronger colour, while females are smaller and rounder; this is documented for the genus rather than confirmed for this species.
Conditioning
The species is a small carnivore best conditioned on small live and frozen invertebrate foods, in a soft, warm tank reflecting its small-stream and swamp habitat.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature: 22-29 °C (FishBase)
- pH: 5.0-6.0 (FishBase)
- dH: 6-10 (FishBase)
- Spawning sites: enclosed caves; eggs attached to the cave ceiling
- Layout: sand substrate with small caves (genus pattern)
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase states that eggs are attached to the ceiling of caves and that the female cares for eggs and larvae. For the genus, nearly all Apistogramma spawn in crevices or small caves and most use a polygamous harem strategy in which the male defends a territory containing several females. Soft, warm, acidic water reproducing the natural stream habitat encourages spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
The female tends the clutch in the cave and guards larvae and free-swimming fry, while the male defends the territory, as documented for the genus. For Apistogramma generally, warmer and more acidic water tends to skew the sex ratio toward males; this is a genus-level observation with species-specific data for A. urteagai limited.
Common Challenges
Maintaining clean, soft, slightly acidic water and providing secure caves are the main practical concerns. IUCN lists the species as Least Concern (assessed 2014).