Steindachner's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma steindachneri)

Steindachner's Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma steindachneri
Name	Steindachner's Dwarf Cichlid
Name Lat.	Apistogramma steindachneri
Family	Cichlids
Family lat.	Cichlidae
Order	Cichlids
Order lat.	Cichliformes
Origin	Suriname, Guyana
Habitat	Streams
Diet	Carnivore
pH	4.0-7.5
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, ♂ 8 cm
Temperature	20-25 °C
Hardness	1-10 °dH
Aquarium	~ 150 l
US Units
Size	♀ 2", ♂ 3"
Temperature	68-77 °F
Hardness	18-178 ppm
Aquarium	~ 40 gal

Distribution and habitat

Steindachner's dwarf cichlids are common in the river systems of Suriname, Guyana, and eastern Venezuela. They live in the shallow, plant-rich riparian zones of slow-moving streams and small rivers 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 better 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 condition and water temperature should be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

Males are larger, more colorful, and have significantly longer, more pointed fins than the smaller females

Reproduction and breeding

They spawn in caves (cave breeders). The female does the brood care, while the male defends the territory. After 2-3 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 a few 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

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: Werner Winter; Image: Stefan K. Hetz

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF