Viejita dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma viejita

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwaterdwarf cichlid

A highly colorful dwarf cichlid, closely related to Apistogramma macmasteri, with shades of red and blue.

Viejita dwarf cichlid — photo 1 sur 3
lienyuan lee · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.01 / 3
Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
South America
Hors bassin amazonien : Paraná, Orénoque, Andes.

Description

Apistogramma viejita reaches 5-6 cm. Males are very colorful with red and blue dorsal and caudal fins. Females are smaller and yellowish with a black spot. It is territorial but peaceful outside breeding. It prefers soft, acidic water with dense vegetation. Breeding is typical of Apistogramma: egg laying on hard substrate, maternal care.

Habitat

Region :

Acidic streams and rivers of Colombia

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH5.57
GH210 °dGH
KH15 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
60 L
Min. group
2
Adult size
6 cm
Lifespan
4 years
Temperament
peaceful but territorial during breeding
Propagation

Care notes

Tank of at least 60 liters for a pair. Soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-7.0, GH 2-10, KH 1-5), temperature 24-28°C. Many hiding places (roots, leaves, pots). Varied diet: brine shrimp, daphnia, small pellets. Peaceful but territorial during breeding. Avoid aggressive fish. A species tank is ideal.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References