Family: Cichlidae

Distribution: Apistogramma Amoena are found hiding in amongst the plants and rocks of the Rio Amazonas basin in Peru (Río Ampiyacu). They are a bottom dwelling cichlid which prefer to stay in one territory.

PH: 5 – 6

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 6.3cm and the females to 6cm, but as they are not very common this information may change as people become more experienced with keeping Apistogramma Amoena.

These are one of the easiest fish to tell males and females apart, Males are bigger, have longer more pointed dorsal, tail, anal and pectoral fins and typically have a more colorful body. Females are smaller with shorter fins, the dominant colour is yellow with a broken black line.

Diet: Apistogramma Amoena 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 frozen or live foods.

Breeding: Apistogramma Amoena 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 Amoena 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 or any other live food, for a week and then 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.