Apistogramma Brevis

Apistogramma Brevis

Family: Cichlidae

Distribution: Apistogramma Brevis are found hiding in amongst the plants and rocks of the Uaupés River basin, Amazon River basin in Brazil, they are a bottom dwelling cichlid which prefer to stay in one territory.

pH: 5.5 – 7

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 5cm and the females to 3cm, but as they are not very common this information may change as people become more experienced with keeping Apistogramma Brevis. 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 very colourful fins, with a dull body. Females are normally smaller, with shorter fins and have a bright yellow body with broken horizontal black lines.

Diet: Apistogramma Brevis 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 Brevis 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 15ltr 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 Brevis 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 tropical fish which is recommended for most community aquariums.

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