Apistogramma brevis
Etymology
Apistogramma: etymology not explained. Presumably from the Greek ápistos (Gr. άπιστος), meaning ‘unbelieving, doubtful’, and grámma (Gr. γράμμα), meaning ‘that which is drawn or written’, in reference to the variably-developed, often rudimentary, lateral lines in member species.
brevis: from the Latin brevis, meaning ‘short’, in reference to this species’ small size relative to other Apistogramma taxa from the Uaupés River (type locality).
Classification
Order: Perciformes Family: Cichlidae
Distribution
Known from parts of the Rio Uaupés basin in far northwestern Brazil and the Rio Tiquié in southern Colombia. It’s also been recorded in the upper reaches of both the Rio Negro and Rio Orinoco.
Habitat
Inhabits slow-moving blackwater streams, creeks and tributaries, as well as smaller rivers. The water these contain is typically stained dark brown with humic acids and other chemicals released by decaying organic material. This results in a negligible dissolved mineral content, and the pH can drop as low as 4.0 or 5.0. The dense rainforest canopy above means that very little light penetrates the water surface, and the substrate is normally littered with fallen tree branches and rotting leaves.
Maximum Standard Length
A diminutive species, with males reaching around 2.2″ (6cm) and females 2″ (5cm).
Aquarium SizeTop ↑
18″ x 15″ x 12″ (45cm x 37.5cm x 30cm) – 50 litres
Maintenance
The tank should be well planted. Bogwood is also recommended, as the tannins it releases will be benficial to the water chemistry this species prefers. Small caves should be provided and care should be taken to ensure that some of these caves are too small for the male to enter as he can sometimes be aggressive to wards the female and this will allow her a safe retreat. The fish can be shy so moderate to low lighting levels should be used. Strong water flow should be avoided. This species will also benefit from the use of dead leaves on the substrate, mimicking its natural habitat. These leach organic compunds into the water, helping to maintain soft, acid conditions. Water parameters should be carefully monitored if attempting this, as the decaying leaves are also likely to pollute the water.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 78 – 82°F (26 – 28°C)
pH: 6.0 – 7.0
Hardness: As soft as possible – less than 5°H
Diet
Feed a varied diet including a good quality cichlid pellet or flake, live or frozen foods, such as bloodworm or brineshrimp and vegetable matter in the form of spirulina or algae wafers.
Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑
Peaceful dwarf cichlid although can be territorial when inbreeding condition. Male may also harrass the female at this time. Can be maintained as part of a community setup with tetras, rasboras, small catfish (such as corydoras) and most other small peaceful fish.
Another means of keeping apistos is as a species only tank, where the fish would be kept with a ratio of one male to three or more females. This harem arrangement avoids any one female being overly picked on by the male. In this scenario, it is important that enough caves are provided for each female to establish a territory and that they are spread out across the tank.
Sexual Dimorphism
Male is the larger fish and has extensions to the dorsal, anal and caudal fins.
Reproduction
Not too difficult if very soft, acidic water parameters can be provided.
Spawning takes place in a cave. The female assumes guard duty at this point and will fearlessly drive away any fish that encroach on her territory, including the male! Eggs hatch in around three days and the fry are free swimming four or five days after that.
In general the pair make good parents, although occasionally the female may not tolerate the presence of the male.
Fry can be fed on newly-hatched brineshrimp and progressed onto adult foods as they grow.
NotesTop ↑
Apistogrammas are identified by the use of “A numbers”in a similar fashion to the “L number” system used to identify loricariids. Apistogramma brevis is identified as A168. Additionally, apistos are also grouped into type families and this species is the species type of the brevis group.
Unlike some apistogramma species, a. brevis occurs only in a relatively small range and has not been found outside this.
personata complex gibbiceps group
