Family: Cichlidae

Distribution: Apistogramma Alacrina are found hiding in amongst the plants and leaves in rivers and ponds of the Rio Guaviare drainage. They are a bottom dwelling cichlid which prefer to stay in one territory.

PH: 5.5 – 6.5

Temperature: 24°C – 27°C

Hardness: 2 dH – 10 dH

Description: A small and generally peaceful dwarf cichlid which prefers to live in pairs or a harem. The Males have been known to grow to 5.5cm and the females to 4cm, but as they are not very common this information may change as people become more experienced with keeping Apistogramma Alacrina.

These are one of the hardest Apistogramma’s to tell males and females apart, both sexes have short dorsal fins and rounded caudal fins. The easiest way to tell is females are shorter and have a smaller build.

Diet: Apistogramma Alacrina have a forward pointing mouth and therefore prefer to eat slow sinking food or food from the bottom. They are a non-fussy omnivore which will eat most dried , frozen or live foods.

Breeding: Apistogramma Alacrina are a cave spawning cichlid which will protect their offspring with a passion shown by few other fish.

The minimum size aquarium you should attempt to breed them in is a 20ltr tank, although they may lay eggs in a smaller space normally they will eat the eggs. Set up a cave which is only just big enough for the pair of Apistogramma Alacrina to fit in but small enough that they feel seclueded, they are not particulary fussy when it comes to finding a place to breed, the main considerations are- the pair need to be well fed, water quality good and the pair are not stressed out by humans or other fish.

Tip: Feed live black worms for a week the do a 30% cold water change, this will almost guarantee them to spawn.

Comments: Apistogramma’s are one of the hidden jewels of the aquarium, they have a big personality, they show love in looking after their young and they come in many brilliant colours.  A community fish which is recommended for most tropical aquariums.

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Recommended Compatible Species: Apistogramma are a great community species and therefore live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Corydoras Catfish  (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami andDwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio)  and also many Killifish make great tank mates.