Page 147 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CICHLIDS/DWARF CICHLIDS 145

Apistogramma nijsseni
FACTORS INFLUENCING BREEDING
Nijssen’s Dwarf Cichlid
Suitable retreats in the aquarium are vital for be that this is also the case with other group
ORIGINS South America, in the lower Rio Ucayali and successful breeding with Apistogramma dwarf members. When the water temperature is above
the Rio Yavari in Peru. cichlids, because these fish are cave-spawners. 84.4°F (29.1°C) only male fish result, while the
SIZE 3 ⁄2 in (9 cm). The female, such as the Cockatoo Dwarf pictured offspring are all female when the water is
1
DIET Prepared foods and small live foods. here, instinctively seeks out a site that affords 68–73°F (20–23°C). The influence of pH is
WATER Temperature 73–86°F (23–30°C); soft her relative safety. In Nijssen’s Dwarf (see left), relatively slight, but the percentage of eggs
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0). environmental conditions have been shown to that hatch in naturally soft water is much higher
TEMPERAMENT Males are territorial. have a direct impact on breeding, and it may than in hard water environments.
Female

Rounded
caudal fin
The coloration of the larger male is more variable
than that of the female, which is predominantly
black and yellow. Like the female, the male has
a rounded caudal fin—unusual in male dwarf
cichlids. As with other members of this group,
Nijssen’s is highly insectivorous and may prove
reluctant to sample other foods. Mosquito larvae
are particularly useful for encouraging spawning.
The regular addition of aquarium peat to the
filter (see p.46) is recommended. These cichlids
need a tank well stocked with aquatic plants.

Apistogramma cacatuoides
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid When extended, the long rays at the front of this
dwarf cichlid’s dorsal fin resemble a crest. As in
ORIGINS South America, in parts of Peru and in adjacent the other Apistogramma species, a single male
areas of Brazil and Colombia. should be housed with several females. The male
SIZE 3 ⁄2 in (9 cm). frequents the middle layer of the tank, while the
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DIET Prepared foods and small live foods. females establish small territories near the bottom.
WATER Temperature 73–82°F (23–28°C); soft He visits their territories to breed but will remain
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0). outside the entrance to the spawning cave. When
TEMPERAMENT Males are territorial. a number of females have broods at the same time,
the young of different groups may join together.
Dorsal fin “crest” is
shown here folded Red Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid These red morphs are
back against the body among the most popular of the Cockatoo Dwarf variants.
Fish available today have been extensively developed
by selective breeding.

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
This species, like many
dwarf cichlids, is highly
variable in coloration. Sunburst Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid This variant gets its
The fin rays are longer at name from its brilliant yellow and red coloration. The
both ends of the dorsal fin female, shown above, can be identified by the more
than at the middle. rounded shape of her caudal fin.

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