Baensch's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma baenschi)
| Baensch's Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma baenschi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Baensch's Dwarf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Apistogramma baenschi |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Peru |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 4.0-6.5 |
| Behavior | ♂ territorial |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-4 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | ♀ 4 cm, ♂ 6 cm |
| Temperature | 20-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-5 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | ♀ 1.6", ♂ 2.4" |
| Temperature | 68-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-89 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 30 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Borellis dwarf cichlids are small tributaries of the lower Rio Huallaga on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Peru. They live there in shallow, plant-rich riparian zones of streams and small bodies of water whose bottoms are covered with roots and foliage.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots, caves, tubes), and offer free swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), shaded light (floating plants) and soft, slightly acidic water is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality, protein-rich dry food for cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as daphnia, artemia, mysis, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). 
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
It is recommended to keep them in a harem, one male with several females. Males are territorial within the species and towards other Apistogrammas. Keeping several harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be kept well with other calm fish, but will consistently defend their territory.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is larger, more colorful and has significantly longer dorsal fin rays. In the female, the caudal fin is yellowish transparent and the dorsal fin rays are much shorter.
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn in caves (cave breeders). The female does the brood care, while the male defends the territory. After 2-3 days, the fry hatch and are then housed and guarded by the female in a bottom pit outside the cave until they swim free after 5-6 days.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (e.g. Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey here.
Important
They show their most beautiful coloration by feeding on live food.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and is a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF