Piau Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma piauiensis)

Piau Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma piauiensis
Name	Piau Dwarf Cichlid
Name Lat.	Apistogramma piauiensis
Family	Cichlids
Family lat.	Cichlidae
Order	Cichlids
Order lat.	Cichliformes
Origin	Brazil
Habitat	Streams
Diet	Carnivore
pH	5.0-7.0
Behavior	Semi-aggressive
Keeping	Pair
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Cave spawner
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	3-4 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	♀ 4 cm, ♂ 6 cm
Temperature	20-29 °C
Hardness	< 20 °dH
Aquarium	~ 100 l
US Units
Size	♀ 1.6", ♂ 2.4"
Temperature	68-84 °F
Hardness	< 356 ppm
Aquarium	~ 25 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Piaui dwarf cichlids are native to the catchment area of the Rio Paranaiba in northeastern Brazil. They live there in plant-rich small waters and in the shore zones of streams and rivers with sandy bottoms and roots.

Maintenance

The aquarium should have a dense planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots, caves), and offer free swimming space. A fine, light and sandy substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond leaves) as well as soft, slightly acidic water and some subdued light (floating plants) are 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 pairs. They are very territorial and same-sex animals are quite incompatible with each other, so keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. With other calm fish they can be kept well, but they defend their territory consistently

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

Sex dimorphism

The males are larger, more colorful, with a bluish sheen and they have much longer, pointed fins. The female is smaller and at spawning time yellowish in color with black spots on the ventral sides.

Reproduction and breeding

They spawn in caves (cave breeders). The spawn is deposited on the ceiling of the cave. 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 until they swim free after 4-5 days.

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, where the fry are easy prey.

Important

Apistogramma piauiensis occurs in the Brazilian state of Piaui and represents the easternmost member of the genus Apistogramma to date.

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate value 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); RIEHL & BAENSCH (1997): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 5, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF