Rio Mamore Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma erythrura)

Rio Mamore Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma erythrura
Name	Rio Mamore Dwarf Cichlid
Name Lat.	Apistogramma erythrura
Synonym	Apistogramma sp. 'Rio Mamore'
Family	Cichlids
Family lat.	Cichlidae
Order	Cichlids
Order lat.	Cichliformes
Origin	Bolivia
Habitat	Streams
Diet	Carnivore
pH	5.0-6.5
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Pair, harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Cave spawner
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	3-4 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	♀ 5 cm, ♂ 7 cm
Temperature	23-29 °C
Hardness	< 10 °dH
Aquarium	~ 150 l
US Units
Size	♀ 2", ♂ 2.8"
Temperature	73-84 °F
Hardness	< 178 ppm
Aquarium	~ 40 gal

Distribution and habitat

The Rio Mamore dwarf cichlids are distributed in the river system of the lower Rio Mamore in Bolivia. They live there in shallow, plant-rich riparian zones of slow-flowing streams and small bodies of water 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 pairs or in a harem, one male with several females. Keeping several harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. With other calm fish they can be kept well, 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 slightly larger than females and have a rounded, red colored caudal fin.

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