Apistogramma commbrae
A93, A94, Corumbá Dwarf Cichlid, Corumba Zwergbuntbarsch (DE)
SynonymsTop ↑
Heterogramma commbrae, Regan 1906; Hetrogramma corumbae, Eigenmann and Ward 1907
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.
commbrae: this species was first identified by German-American ichthyologist Carl Henry Eigenmann (1863-1927) from specimens collected at the city of Corumbá in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, southwestern Brazil. He named the species Heterogramma corumbae, but his description was not published until 1907, the year after Regan described it using specimens from two other locations in the upper Paraguay River system. Regan had intended to use a different name for the species but Eigenmann sent him labelled photographs so he adopted the name H. commbrae, which appears to be a misinterpretation of H. corumbae.
Classification
Order: Perciformes Family: Cichlidae
Distribution
This species is widespread in the Paraguay River watershed (Paraná River system) in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, above its confluence with the Salado River. There is also population from the upper Guaporé River in western Brazil, a tributary of the upper Madeira River and thus part of the Amazon River system.
The type specimens were collected at “Carandasiñho, Mato Grosso” and “Colonia Risso”, in the upper Paraguay River watershed.
Habitat
In the wild, Apistogramma commbrae habitats range from large rivers to small streams and even floodplains, but is always found in the shallow zones, particularly where there is plentiful aquatic and riparian vegetation. Floating plants often feature heavily too. Unusually for Apistogramma, A. commbrae has frequently been found in water with a pH neutral to slightly alkaline, though typically it is found in slightly acidic water. Because of it’s distribution through the South of South America, A. commbrae is subject to seasonal temperature fluctuations, with cool periods dropping water temperatures as low as 16.0°C/60.8°F.
Maximum Standard Length
Male: 5 cm
Female: 3 cm
Apistogramma commbrae is one of the smallest members of the genus.
Aquarium SizeTop ↑
A relatively peaceful species, a 60 x 30 x 30 aquarium will suffice for a breeding pair or a small group.
Maintenance
Despite most imports of Apistogramma commbrae being wild stock, the species proves to be an excellent captive subject. Unlike many congeners, this species is unspecialised and settles in to a wide range of water parameters. Due to the seasonal nature of it natural habitat, aim to keep A. commbrae at a cooler temperature over winter to increase longevity and vitality.
Provided adequate cover and structure is available this species is unfussy with regards to décor with ceramic flowerpots, lengths of plastic piping and other artificial materials all useful additions.
A more natural-looking arrangement might consist of a soft, sandy substrate with wood roots and branches placed such a way that plenty of shady spots and caves are formed.
The addition of dried leaf litter provides additional cover and spawning sites, and brings with it the growth of beneficial microbe colonies as decomposition occurs.
These can provide a valuable secondary food source for fry, while the tannins and other chemicals released by the decaying leaves aid in simulation of natural conditions. Alder cones may also be used for the latter purpose.
Fairly dim lighting is recommended and aquatic plant species that can survive under such conditions such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum or Cryptocoryne spp. may be added, while floating vegetation, especially Ceratopteris spp., is also useful.
There is no need to use peat, the collection of which is both unsustainable and environmentally-destructive.
Filtration need not be too strong, with an air-powered sponge filter or similar adequate.
It goes without saying that these are fishes are sensitive to fluctuating organic wastes and should never be introduced to biologically-immature aquaria.
Water Conditions
Relatively unfussy. Black water is not necessary but will be tolerated without issues. Despite handling more alkaline water much better than other Apistogramma, take care not to allow conductivity, KH and GH to rise too high.
Diet
Apistogramma spp. are chiefly carnivorous and feed mostly on benthic invertebrates in nature.
In the aquarium live and frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia, Moina and chironomid larvae (bloodworm) should be offered regularly although most species will also learn to accept dried alternatives with pelleted products generally preferred to flake.
Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑
Generally a peaceful fish, Apistogramma commbrae settles well into a calm community aquarium. Because Apistogramma commbrae prefers lower temperatures to congeners, this should be considered when selecting tankmates. Hyphessobrycon elachys, Corydoras hastatus, Otothyropsis piribebuy and Pyrrhulina australis will all work excellently.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are larger, more colourful and develop more extended fins than females. In spawning conditions and during broodcare the female will adopt a bright yellow livery with black makings through the body and face and more typically on the anterior edge of the ventral fins.
Reproduction
Substrate spawner which normally lays its eggs in crevices or cavities among the décor.
Apistogramma commbrae appears to be a monogamous species, with male seldom breeding with more than one female at a time. However, because the family structure is “patriarch-maternal”, the task is usually left to the female whilst the male patrols territory boundaries.
Depending on temperature the eggs hatch in 36-72 hours with the fry free-swimming after a further few days. At a temperature above 25.0°C/77.0°F, newly hatchd fry are too small to consume Artemia nauplii. This can be overcome by reducing the temperature.
Although slightly acidic water is beneficial for breeding purposes, this should not be allowed to drop to low in order to avoid the loss of juvenile fish. pH6.5 will be ideal.
NotesTop ↑
Apistogramma commbrae and other members of the so-called A. commbrae species complex (see below) can be distinguished from congeners by the conspicuous double caudal peduncle spot. This species may also be polymorphic, with some males exhibiting red and blue markings on the cheeks and a yellow gular region.
Apistogramma is among the most speciose of South American cichlid genera with over 70 species valid at present but many more awaiting description.
In addition many species exist in two or more geographical colour forms which may or may not turn out to be distinct in the future.
Hobbyists tend to label these with collection data if available in order to avoid mixing them and the potential of hybridisation.
Member species have also been organised into a series of species lineages, complexes and groups by authors in order to better separate them.
Such lists have been augmented by fish that have appeared in the aquarium trade and are in a state of near-constant flux.
At present, A. commbrae belongs to the A. commbrae complex within the A. regani lineage,
Apistogramma and a number of related genera are often included in the putative cichlid subfamily Geophaginae.
References
- 346-353, Romer, Dr. U. - Cichlid Atlas: Mergus
2001 - Apistogramma commbrae, Kullander, S.O. - https://www.fishbase.se/search.php: Fishbase
2003
