Mouthbrooding Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma barlowi
Found in the Loreto department of eastern Peru, specifically in small tributaries of the Rio Ampiyacu. It inhabits shaded, cool streams flowing over s.
Température de l’eau
22 - 29 °C
Valeur du pH
5 - 6.8
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond
Taille adulte
7 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 70 L
Groupe minimal
>= 2
GH
1 - 8 dGH
KH
0 - 4 dKH
TDS
15 - 160 ppm
Conductivité
23 - 250 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Found in the Loreto department of eastern Peru, specifically in small tributaries of the Rio Ampiyacu. It inhabits shaded, cool streams flowing over sandy and clay substrates covered in leaf litter.
Taxonomy and Morphology: A member of the Cichlidae family. It is famous for being one of the very few mouthbrooding Apistogramma species. Males possess a large, robust head and grow to about 7.0 cm.
Social Behavior: Territorially aggressive, particularly between males. During breeding, females become highly protective of their territory. Keep as a compatible pair or in a harem.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males exhibit a grayish-blue to yellowish body color. Females are smaller, normally duller, but turn bright yellow with contrasting black spots during mouthbrooding stages.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank size is 70 liters. A fine sand substrate is crucial as they sift sand and dig spawning pits. Decorate with roots, leaf litter, and secure caves.
Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Thrives on live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Micro-pellets may be accepted over time.
Water Quality: Needs soft and acidic water: pH 5.0-6.8, GH below 8 dGH, and temperature 22-29°C. Keep nitrates as close to zero as possible.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Keep with small, active dither fish like tetras. Do not house with other territorial bottom-dwellers or large fish.
Aquarium Breeding: Cave spawner followed by maternal mouthbrooding. The female takes the eggs or larvae into her mouth for protection. An outstanding reproductive strategy.
Risks and Diseases: Highly susceptible to nitrogenous waste and intestinal disorders. Requires strict tank hygiene and regular water changes.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Found in the Loreto department of eastern Peru, specifically in small tributaries of the Rio Ampiyacu. It inhabits shaded, cool streams flowing over sandy and clay substrates covered in leaf litter.
Origine
Amérique du Sud hors AmazonieAmérique centrale et Caraïbes
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Aggressive
- Overall, they exhibit a peaceful demeanor towards other species, but they are known to be territorial among their own kind. During the breeding season, both sexes become fiercely protective of their spawning sites and fry, potentially showing aggression to any intruders. Outside of breeding, they are somewhat shy and require a complex environment with plenty of hiding spaces to feel secure. Creating distinct visual barriers helps manage their territorial nature.
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- In their natural habitat, they are micro-predators that sift through the substrate for small invertebrates, insect larvae, and zooplankton. In captivity, they should be offered a varied and high-quality diet consisting of sinking micro-pellets and flakes. Supplementing their diet regularly with live or frozen foods like daphnia, baby brine shrimp, and bloodworms will promote optimal health and vibrant coloration. Variety is key to preventing nutritional deficiencies.
- Espérance de vie
- 2-4 years
- Taille adulte
- 7 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Harem
- In a suitably sized aquarium, they are best maintained in a harem configuration consisting of one dominant male and several females. If the tank is on the smaller side, maintaining a single compatible pair is the safest approach to minimize intraspecific aggression. Keeping multiple males usually requires a very large footprint with complex hardscape to break lines of sight and establish distinct territories. Proper sex ratios are vital for a peaceful tank.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- It is highly recommended to feed them small portions once or twice daily to maintain their metabolism and overall well-being. Care must be taken to only offer an amount they can completely consume within a couple of minutes to avoid fouling the water. Overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to severe water quality issues. Fasting the fish for one day per week can also help clear their digestive tract.
- Charge biologique
- Low to Medium
- This species has a relatively low bioload compared to larger cichlids, making it suitable for appropriately sized setups. However, they are highly sensitive to deteriorating water conditions and elevated nitrates. Maintaining pristine water quality through adequate filtration and regular water changes is absolutely crucial for their long-term health. A heavily planted tank can also help absorb excess nutrients and keep the environment stable.
- Courant
- Strong
- Originating from slow-moving streams, backwaters, and sluggish tributaries, they strongly prefer gentle water flow in the aquarium. Strong currents will cause them undue stress and force them to expend unnecessary energy just to maintain their position. Filtration should be baffled if necessary to provide a calm environment, particularly near the substrate where they spend most of their time. Mimicking this natural calm flow is essential for their comfort.
- Risque de saut
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are typical cave spawners, utilizing secluded crevices, leaf litter, or natural hollows to lay their eggs. The female assumes the primary responsibility of guarding the eggs and the subsequent fry, often becoming highly reclusive. The male's role involves defending a larger peripheral territory against any perceived threats. Providing plenty of hiding spots like coconut caves, PVC pipes, and dense vegetation is critical for successful breeding.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Aggressive
- They are best kept in a species-specific aquarium or a peaceful community tank with small, non-aggressive dither fish like tetras or rasboras. Fast-swimming or boisterous tank mates should be avoided as they will easily outcompete this species for food and induce stress. Bottom-dwelling species such as Corydoras might face territorial disputes, especially if breeding behaviors commence. Careful selection of tank mates is necessary to ensure a harmonious environment.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Bottom
- These fish primarily inhabit the lower third of the water column, spending the vast majority of their day navigating the substrate. They are often seen foraging among leaf litter, driftwood, and plant roots in search of food. They rarely venture into the upper levels of the aquarium unless enticed by feeding or if they lack sufficient cover below. A well-structured bottom layout is highly appreciated.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,4 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.02399, b = 3.01
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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