Sailfin Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma velifera)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Upper Orinoco basin in Colombia. Prefers clear, slow or still waters, often hidden in the tangle of sunken branches and abundant marsh vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Velifera Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma velifera). Often confused in the past in the aquarium trade with other complexes (macmasteri), it is a compressed-bodied Apistogramma distinguished by the sensational and wide "sail" (velifera) dorsal fin and the absence of peduncular spots.

Social Behavior: Has a strong defensive nature but is not cruel. The male reigns in his kingdom flaunting the upper "sail" to make his way, but proves relatively serene towards other species if the bottom offers dens for everyone.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males flaunt warm colors, from ocher yellow to intense brick red on the cheeks and the edge of the fins. The belly is often whitish. Females remain insignificant until, in the den guarding phase, they explode in the classic "brooding yellow" color.

Aquarium Setup: 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) aquarium to maintain a small harem. Seek an environment with fine sand (chewing), a myriad of visually obscured refuges from each other using "Manzanita" wood, round stones, and half coconuts sunk into the substrate.

Diet and Feeding: Tireless sifter (Eartheater on a microscopic scale). Demands very small prey such as daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp. Large floating flakes do not arouse its hunting interest.

Water Quality: Soft and very clean water. Although it comes from the Orinoco basin (and can tolerate extreme Blackwater), in captivity a pH of 6.0 - 6.5 and a modest presence of tannins offer the best longevity.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal fish for "temperate communities". Perfect if paired with a school of pencil fish (Nannostomus) or small Corydoras. Keep away from more massive cichlids (e.g. Pelvicachromis or Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) which would dominate the territory.

Aquarium Reproduction: Cave segregator. Once the yellow female is attracted into the coconut, she will glue the eggs to the roof. During larval development, the female will methodically move the fry into small trenches dug in the nearby sand.

Risks and Diseases: Do not expose to high nitrates or overcrowding on the bottom: the induced stress favors serious epidemics of Exophthalmos (protruding eyes) and weakening of the liver (dropsy).