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.
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).