Apistogramma , dwarf Cichlids in the aquarium
by:
Tropical marine museum fish on Tinkerfish
The real apistogramma's move 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 as well several comparatively
popular dwarf cichlids from Africa, like the Pelvicachromis group. From this group the most widespread percoid is the Pelvicachromis pulcher, as well best-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, better is to feed them live foods or frozen food, like bloodworms, brine shrimp and dipteran larvae. Apistogramma species can be unbroken
in a large tropical community aquarium, but be sure the different fish are not too small, they can defend their territory really fiercely, and can be quite aggressive once
they are breeding. In my opinion it is better to support the apistogramma's on their own, in a larger marine museum you could combine two apistogramma variants together, mayhap supplemented with a small group of different fish, like several livebearers or betta's. They as well can be unbroken
together with discus or angel fish. I always have a living quarters of apisto's in my discus tanks, simply to populate the lower areas of the marine museum and I actually like these small dwarfs with a big attitude.
The cichlids from the Pelvicachromis group are more much tolerant once
it comes to water values and feeding, I do consider these cichlids a nice beginner species. They are hardened, beautiful colored and eat all but anything. The Pelvicachromis pulcher is mayhap one of the most easy to breed cichlids as well. If you have an adult couple they wish reproduce, in a community tank, a special species tank or in a pond, several folk like to breed them in their lake
during summer. Really several of the biggest and nicest colored Pelvicachromis pulcher were lake
bred and raised. The only thing to support in mind with these cichlids is that they are capable of redesigning your aquarium, they can do brobdingnagian 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 percoid 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 once
it comes to water values, and in my experience they are easier to support in nice condition. Unlike the apistos they have to be unbroken
as a couple, not a living quarters 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 ne'er
even as had a clutch of eggs. I cognize from different breeders that they are kind of hard to get going, but if they do they ne'er
stop.
Just about the author: Auke Veenstra is keeping and breeding tropical marine museum fish, and dendrobatea, for years. He shares his experiences on the TinkerFish website.
Tropical marine museum fish
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