Jurua Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma juruensis)

Jurua Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma juruensis
Name	Jurua Dwarf Cichlid
Name Lat.	Apistogramma juruensis
Family	Cichlids
Family lat.	Cichlidae
Order	Cichlids
Order lat.	Cichliformes
Origin	Brazil
Habitat	Streams
Diet	Carnivore
pH	5.0-7.0
Behavior	♂ territorial
Keeping	Pair, 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	22-29 °C
Hardness	< 10 °dH
Aquarium	~ 100 l
US Units
Size	♀ 1.6", ♂ 2.4"
Temperature	72-84 °F
Hardness	< 178 ppm
Aquarium	~ 30 gal

Distribution and habitat

The range of Jurua dwarf cichlids is the upper river system of the Rio Jurua, a tributary of the Rio Solimoes, in Brazil, where they live in plant-rich blackwater rivers with fallen leaves and dead wood.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots, caves) and offer free swimming space. A dark substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond leaves) and some subdued 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).&nbsp

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 better in a harem, one male with several females. Males are territorial within the species, so keeping several harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized well with other calm fish, but defend their territory consistently

Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

Males are larger and more colorful. They have significantly longer, pointed caudal fins, which are more rounded in females.

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. The fry are cared for by the parents for about 4 more weeks and are led to feeding sites in the aquarium before brood care ends.

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.

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: petdata; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 5, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF