Hongslo's Dwarf Cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from the Orinoco basin, in Vichada (Colombia). Populates "morichales" and small savanna rivulets (Llanos) characterized by a bottom carpeted with dry leaves and amber to clear water.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Hongslo's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma hongsloi). Belonging to the "macmasteri" group, it is an Apistogramma with a markedly high and convex back, with stockier features compared to the torpedo-shaped Amazonian cousins.

Social Behavior: Very marked male territoriality but limited to conspecifics; tolerates other species without problems. Very self-confident if provided with "dither fish" on the surface, it will tend to fearlessly explore every area of the tank without hiding.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Selected varieties (such as "Red/Gold") offer extraordinary color: deep yellow/pink base that flows into large blood-ruby red spots on the belly and the base of the tail. Stocky beige females, turning yellow-black when reproducing.

Aquarium Setup: 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) tank for 1 male and 2-3 females. The tank must be rich in curved woods (to delimit territories) and caves (coconuts or miniature terracotta pots). Strictly soft sand to avoid ruining the delicate gill mucous membranes.

Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. The exaltation of natural red tones is obtained by constantly foraging them with live or frozen carotene-based food: brine shrimp, daphnia and, to a lesser extent, bloodworms. Readily accepts soft granules for Discus.

Water Quality: Although in nature it lives in hyper-acidic waters (pH 5.0), the strains bred in captivity are now extremely adaptable to domestic conditions (pH up to 7.0). However, it requires pristine water, free of organic pollutants, preferably filtered over peat.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent inhabitant for a "Peaceful South American Community". Perfect pairings include Rummy-nose tetras (Hemigrammus bleheri), dwarf Corydoras and Otocinclus. Never mix with other dwarf Cichlids to prevent massacres.

Aquarium Reproduction: Typical spawning in a cave or dark ravine; the female (now "wasp yellow") hangs the eggs on the roof. Shows very devoted and tenacious parental care: the harem works only if each female has her own private hiding place distant from the others.

Risks and Diseases: Tends worryingly to deformed dwarfism or excessive swelling (Bloat) if fed with unsuitable dry feeds. Highly susceptible to ammonia poisoning: mature filters are the only salvation.