Linke's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma linkei)
| Linke's Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma linkei | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Linke's Dwarf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Apistogramma linkei |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Bolivia |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 2-3 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | ♀ 4 cm, ♂ 6 cm |
| Temperature | 24-26 °C |
| Hardness | < 15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | ♀ 1.6", ♂ 2.4" |
| Temperature | 75-79 °F |
| Hardness | < 267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 30 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Linkes dwarf cichlids are distributed in the catchment area of the Rio Marmore and the Rio Guapore in Bolivia, where they live in shallow, plant-rich small waters, streams and pools with sandy bottoms and roots.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense 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) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the size of the aquarium 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 pairs or in a harem, one male with several females. They are territorial, so 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 condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is larger, more colorful, and has significantly longer, more pointed fins.
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn in 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.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (e.g. Artemia nauplii). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as 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); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF