Apistogramma wapisana Care Guide
Apistogramma wapisana is a small dwarf cichlid from northern Brazil, described in 2006, that lives in soft, acidic leaf-litter streams.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Apistogramma wapisana is a dwarf cichlid described by Römer, Hahn & Conrad in 2006 from northern Brazil. The species name refers to the Wapishana (Wapisana) Amerindian people of the region where it occurs. Like other members of the genus, it is a small, bottom-oriented fish suited to soft, acidic conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Apistogramma
- Scientific name: Apistogramma wapisana
- Described by: Römer, Hahn & Conrad, 2006
Habitat
The species is known from the upper Rio Branco drainage near Boa Vista and from the central Rio Negro drainage in northern Brazil. According to FishBase it inhabits smaller, muddy streams influenced by whitewater, with a thick layer of leaf litter and medium to comparatively high water temperatures. Recorded pH at collection sites is acidic, between 5.5 and 6.0.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Substrate: fine sand with leaf litter and caves
Diet
Members of the genus Apistogramma are omnivores tending toward micropredation, feeding mainly on aquatic insect larvae and small invertebrates along the bottom. In aquaria a varied diet of small live, frozen and dried foods is appropriate. FishBase reports a trophic level of about 3.2 for this species.
Compatibility
As a small, bottom-oriented dwarf cichlid, A. wapisana suits calm, well-structured aquaria. Within the genus, males are typically territorial and defend a spawning site, so keeping multiple males together in small tanks should be avoided. Small, peaceful upper-water species can act as dither fish.
Breeding
A. wapisana is a cave spawner, consistent with the genus, in which most species deposit eggs in crevices or small caves. The female tends the eggs and fry while the male defends the surrounding territory.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).
Apistogramma wapisana Breeding Guide
Overview
Apistogramma wapisana is a small dwarf cichlid from Brazil (FishBase). FishBase reports that it prefers smaller, muddy streams influenced by whitewater with a thick layer of leaf litter, and lists it as Least Concern (assessed 2020). The species is named for the Wapisana (Mawayana) people of its native region. 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 2.8 cm for males and 2.9 cm for females, making this one of the smaller members of the genus. Across 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. The KB record classifies A. wapisana as a carnivore fed twice daily; small live and frozen foods support breeding condition, consistent with the genus' micro-predator habits.
Breeding Setup
Apistogramma spawn in crevices, small caves and leaf-litter aggregations (Wikipedia), so enclosed sites and leaf litter should be provided. FishBase records a pH of 5.5-6.0 in the wild and medium to comparatively high temperatures; the KB record lists a minimum volume of 80 L with temperatures of 24-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.2 and GH 2-10.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Following genus behaviour, the female prepares a cave and deposits eggs which she tends; Apistogramma breed either in polygamous harems or as monogamous pairs (Wikipedia). A species-specific trigger for A. wapisana 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 (Wikipedia). 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
Species-specific breeding difficulties are not documented in the consulted sources. The KB record rates breeding difficulty as intermediate, consistent with this regani-group species tolerating a wider range of water values than strict black-water Apistogramma.