Inka Dwarf Cichlid or Inka 50 (Apistogramma baenschi)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to a very restricted area of the Rio Shanusi system, in Peru. Found in small streams (quebradas) hidden by thick jungle, with cold, very clear water, extreme pH and a silty bottom covered with leaves.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Inca Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma baenschi / ex-Apistogramma sp. "Inca"). Discovered recently (2004). It has a surprisingly high body for an Apistogramma and a massive mouth. The male flaunts an incredible high and serrated "rooster comb" dorsal fin.

Social Behavior: One of the most "gruff" and aggressive members of the "Nijsseni" group. Females, although tiny, are relentless in defending the den and will go so far as to kill rival males or females if space is scarce. Best kept in pairs.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Stunning. The male is golden-yellow/iridescent blue, with conspicuous black vertical bands and a fiery red edge that lights up the round tail ("Inca"). The female sports a dazzling fluorescent yellow livery interrupted by thick pitch-black markings.

Aquarium Setup: 60-80 cm (24-32 inches) tank for a bonded pair. Silica sand for the delicate gills. Massive visual dividers (roots, rocks, leaves and coconuts) are essential to break the line of sight between partners outside the reproductive period.

Diet and Feeding: Insatiable micro-predator. Ignores or poorly digests industrial dry food. To be kept vigorous with twice-daily rations of live or frozen food: brine shrimp nauplii (crucial), small bloodworms, clean tubifex and daphnia.

Water Quality: Very demanding. Thrives only in soft and acidic waters (pH below 6.0, ideal 5.0). Cool temperatures (22-25°C / 72-77°F): at temperatures of 28°C (82°F) or higher the broods will be unbalanced (almost entirely males) and the fish will quickly waste away.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Absolutely incompatible with any other Cichlid or bottom-dwelling species (such as Corydoras, whose eyes the females would destroy in defense of the nest). Perfect together with Nannostomus (pencil fish) or small characins swimming on the surface.

Aquarium Reproduction: Difficult, as the female discards (or kills) unwelcome males. Lays about 60-80 pale pink eggs on the ceiling of inaccessible ravines. The mother becomes demonic towards anyone who dares to approach within a 30 cm radius of the brood.

Risks and Diseases: Uncontrolled pH drops (crashes) in zero KH waters or ammonia spikes lead to lethal fulminating bacteriosis. If the male rejects the female (or vice versa) in confined spaces, one of the two will be assassinated at night.