Mendez's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma mendezi)

Mendez's Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma mendezi
Name	Mendez's Dwarf Cichlid
Name Lat.	Apistogramma mendezi
Family	Cichlids
Family lat.	Cichlidae
Order	Cichlids
Order lat.	Cichliformes
Origin	Brazil
Habitat	Forest streams, floodplains
Diet	Carnivore
pH	4.0-6.0
Behavior	Semi-aggressive
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	0-5 °dH
Aquarium	~ 150 l
US Units
Size	♀ 2", ♂ 2.8"
Temperature	73-84 °F
Hardness	0-89 ppm
Aquarium	~ 40 gal

Distribution and habitat

The tail-striped Apistogramma are common in the Rio Negro river system in northwestern Brazil . They live there in shallow, plant-rich riparian zones of slow-flowing streams and small water bodies whose bottoms are covered 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).&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

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 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 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: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

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