Apistogramma viejita Care Guide
Apistogramma viejita is a small Colombian dwarf cichlid from the upper Meta basin of the Orinoco system, kept in soft, acidic water.
Overview
Apistogramma viejita is a dwarf cichlid described by Kullander in 1979. It belongs to the Apistogramma macmasteri group and is native to Colombia. The species is frequently confused in the aquarium trade with A. macmasteri, and genuine A. viejita is rarely available, since many fish sold under variant names such as "Red Mask" or "Red Shoulder" are in fact A. macmasteri.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma viejita
- Species group: Apistogramma macmasteri group
- Described by: S. O. Kullander, 1979
Habitat
The type locality is a tributary of the Rio Yucao in Meta state, Colombia, within the upper Meta basin of the Orinoco River system. The species occurs in shallow, slow-moving shoreline waters in savannah-type landscapes rather than dense forest. Measurements at the type locality recorded clear water with very low conductivity (below 50 microsiemens per centimetre) and a temperature near 28 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Substrate: fine sand with caves and hiding places
Diet
The species is primarily carnivorous and feeds on benthic invertebrates. In aquaria it accepts live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, Moina and chironomid (bloodworm) larvae, and over time will also learn to take dried pellets and flakes. FishBase reports a trophic level of about 3.3.
Compatibility
A. viejita is a bottom-oriented, generally peaceful fish suited to calm community setups, but males are territorial and intolerant of other male Apistogramma. Suitable companions include small characins, rasboras and Otocinclus, which also serve as dither fish. Avoid keeping multiple males in small tanks and avoid robust or boisterous tankmates.
Breeding
This is a cave-spawning species. Females deposit a clutch of up to about 100 eggs on the ceiling of a cave or crevice and tend the eggs and fry, while the male defends a larger surrounding territory. Where females outnumber males, harem spawning can occur. Eggs hatch within roughly 36-72 hours and fry become free-swimming a few days later.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).