Broad-banded Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma sp. 'Broad-banded')
| Broad-banded Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma sp. 'Broad-banded' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Broad-banded Dwarf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Apistogramma sp. 'Broad-banded' |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Colombia, Venezuela |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 4.0-6.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-4 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | ♀ 5 cm, ♂ 7 cm |
| Temperature | 23-29 °C |
| Hardness | 1-5 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 150 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | ♀ 2", ♂ 2.8" |
| Temperature | 73-84 °F |
| Hardness | 18-89 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 40 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Broad-banded Apistogramma are common in the upper and middle Orinoco River system (Venezuela) and the Rio Inirida system (eastern Colombia). There they live in shallow, plant-rich riparian zones of slow-flowing streams and small water bodies with roots and fallen leaves.
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 a lanceolate caudal fin, which is round in the female.
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn in crevices or caves (cave breeders). The female performs 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 outside the cave until they swim free after 4-5 days. The fry are cared for by the parent for some time before brood care ends.
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.
Important
There are several differently colored populations in their range.
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: petdata; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium BV
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (1997): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 5, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF