The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have the same characteristics, like a complex breeding behavior, as their large relatives, only their size is different. Besides the apistogramma group there are also some relatively popular dwarf cichlids from Africa, like the Pelvicachromis group. From this group the most widespread cichlid is the Pelvicachromis pulcher, also known as the Kribensis or Purple cichlid.
Generally the cichlids from the apistogramma group are more fragile and harder to maintain, and breed, for a longer period of time. In my opinion apistogramma's are not real beginner species. They are more likely to get diseases if not all the environmental variables are properly taken care of. They need soft and acidic water with a low PH value, a PH of 5.5 to 6 is preferable. They hardly eat dry foods, best is to feed them live foods or frozen food, like bloodworms, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae. Apistogramma species can be kept in a large tropical community aquarium, but be sure the other fish are not too small, they can defend their territory very fiercely, and can be quite aggressive when they are breeding. In my opinion it is best to keep the apistogramma's on their own, in a larger aquarium you could combine two apistogramma variants together, maybe supplemented with a small group of other fish, like some livebearers or betta's. They also can be kept together with discus or angel fish. I always have a harem of apisto's in my discus tanks, just to populate the lower areas of the aquarium and I really like these small dwarfs with a big attitude.
The cichlids from the Pelvicachromis group are much more tolerant when it comes to water values and feeding, I do consider these cichlids a good beginner species. They are hardened, beautiful colored and eat almost anything. The Pelvicachromis pulcher is maybe one of the most easy to breed cichlids as well. If you have an adult couple they will reproduce, in a community tank, a special species tank or in a pond, some people like to breed them in their pond during summer. Actually some of the biggest and nicest colored Pelvicachromis pulcher were pond bred and raised. The only thing to keep in mind with these cichlids is that they are capable of redesigning your aquarium, they can make huge holes and are real little bulldozers. So if you have, or want to setup, a subtile planted tank, don't add a couple of Pelvicachromis to your aquarium.
The last dwarf cichlid I want to mention is the Microgeophagus ramirezi, or Ram cichlid. Their behavior and care are roughly the same as the apistogramma's but they are more tolerant when it comes to water values, and in my experience they are easier to keep in good condition. Unlike the apistos they have to be kept as a couple, not a harem but that's the only breeding experience I have. I have tried several couples, have a couple in a breeding tank right now, but I have never even had a clutch of eggs. I know from other breeders that they are kind of hard to get going, but if they do they never stop.
Auke Veenstra is keeping and breeding tropical aquarium fish, and dendrobatea, for years. He shares his experiences on the TinkerFish website.
This article can be used for free on-line, if the origin of the article is mentioned and an active link to tropical aquarium fish is provided.
Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
There are headstrong dogs that know too well that a... Read More
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
Does the idea of trimming your dog's nails send chills... Read More
All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder... Read More
IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune... Read More
Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More
One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More
If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More
Pet |