Lueling's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma luelingi)
| Lueling's Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma luelingi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Lueling's Dwarf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Apistogramma luelingi |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Peru, Bolivia |
| Habitat | Streams, lakes |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | ♂ territorial |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | ♀ 3 cm, ♂ 5 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Hardness | < 15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | ♀ 1.2", ♂ 2" |
| Temperature | 72-79 °F |
| Hardness | < 267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Lülings dwarf cichlids are native to the catchment area of the Rio Madre de Dios in Peru and the Rio Mamore in Bolivia. They live in shallow, plant-rich small waters and streams 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. almond leaves) and 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 a harem, one male with several females. Males 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
Males are larger and more colorful, and they have much longer, more pointed fins
Reproduction and breeding
They spawn in caves (cave breeders). The female takes care of the brood while the male defends the territory. After 3-5 days the fry hatch and are guarded by the female until they swim free after 4-5 days.
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: 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