Elizabethae Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma elizabethae)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Extreme water species (Blackwater). Found solely in the Rio Uaupés and Rio Içana basin (Brazil). Lives among forest floods where the water is blackest tea color, with acidity lethal to other species and unmeasurable hardness.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Elizabeth's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma elizabethae). Named after Elizabeth Agassiz. Thin and tapered body; the male possesses a characteristic elongated lance-shaped caudal fin and high first dorsal rays.

Social Behavior: Extremely shy. Due to the low population density in its harsh habitat, it is less aggressive towards females than other polygamists. A male patrols the tank with discretion, hiding at the slightest disturbance.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Legendary "Red" livery: the male flaunts an incredible fiery red belly and reddish filaments on the pelvic fins, contrasting with the cerulean body. Females are petite, light gray, turning yellow with dark bands while brooding.

Aquarium Setup: Specialized 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) tank. Requires liters of tannins: sand bottom completely covered by thick layers of oak leaves, catappa, alder cones and intricate woods. Very low light (penumbra). No rooted plants needed.

Diet and Feeding: Pure micro-predator that sifts the "Leaf Litter". Scrupulously feed it with very small live prey: moina, brine shrimp nauplii, grindal worms and bloodworms. Dry industrial foods are usually spat out or ignored.

Water Quality: The Grail for aquarium chemists: demands zero KH and GH and a pH between 4.0 and 5.5 (strongly acidic). High temperatures (26-30°C / 79-86°F). If the values are not optimal, it will never show its red belly and will starve to death.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Strictly species-specific or exclusively paired with very few slow and peaceful Blackwater Characins (Nannostomus eques). Any lively or voraciously feeding fish will terrify it inducing lethal stress.

Aquarium Reproduction: Among the most difficult in the world. Triggers only if pH < 5.0 and zero KH. The female lays microscopic eggs in the narrowest crevice possible; hatching is long. The tiny fry must be fed with paramecia (infusoria), ignoring even nauplii.

Risks and Diseases: An "experts only" species. Yields instantaneously to bacteriosis (e.g. ulcerations or fin rot) as soon as it is exposed to tap waters with neutral pH or perceptible mineral hardness.