Barlow's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma barlowi)
| Barlow's Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma barlowi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Barlow's Dwarf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Apistogramma barlowi |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Peru |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 4.5-6.5 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair, harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 2-3 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | ♀ 5 cm, ♂ 7 cm |
| Temperature | 22-29 °C |
| Hardness | 1-5 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | ♀ 2", ♂ 2.8" |
| Temperature | 72-84 °F |
| Hardness | 18-89 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the mouthbrooding dwarf cichlids are small tributaries of the Rio Ampiyacu northwest of Pebas in northern Peru. There they live in shallow, clear and fast flowing forest streams.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots, caves), and offer free swimming space. A light-colored substrate and a slight current are 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
They should be kept in pairs or in a harem, one male with several females. They are territorial, so keeping multiple 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 condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male has a particularly large head, is more colorful and has much longer, pointed fins.
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn in caves (cave breeders). The female performs the brood care, while the male defends the territory. After 3-5 days, the fry hatch and are then housed and guarded by the female in a bottom pit until they swim free after 4-5 days. They are facultative (possible, but not obligatory) mouth breeders, in case of danger the female temporarily takes the fry in her mouth
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey here.
Important
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: Sylvia Hos; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF