Apistogramma baenschi · A188

Overview

Traded under A188 and Inca or Inka labels, Apistogramma baenschi is commercially bred and comparatively adaptable within its genus. Social competition remains important, particularly between females, and successful egg development demands suitable soft, acidic water.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs in the Shanushi and Paranapura tributaries of the lower Huallaga in northern Peru’s Amazon drainage. Shallow forest streams provide leaf litter and submerged wood. Water is typically very soft, low in conductivity, and lightly tea-stained.

Aquarium setup

Provide soft sand, wood, shaded cavities, and multiple retreats, including pots or pipe shelters if useful. Leaf litter supplies cover and microorganisms that can supplement fry feeding. Dim lighting, moss, shade-tolerant plants, floating cover, and gentle filtration suit the setup.

Avoid immature tanks and fluctuating organic waste. Maintain soft acidic water, using reverse-osmosis water or another dependable soft-water source if needed. Captive-bred adaptability does not make temporary tolerance of harder water a breeding recommendation.

Diet & feeding

Members of the genus generally eat small benthic invertebrates. Offer regular live or frozen Artemia, Daphnia, Moina, and bloodworms, introducing small pellets if accepted. Individual responses to prepared alternatives still need observation.

Behaviour & compatibility

Captive-raised fish are preferable for communities. Wild fish suit a species tank or small dither companions, with other members of the genus avoided. Pairs or appropriately spaced groups can be maintained, but both sexes establish hierarchies; females may fight vigorously, including lip-locking.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger, bluish violet, and have relatively faint rear-body bars. A red band bordered by dark margins marks the outer tail, while anterior dorsal rays become extended. Females are yellowish with stronger rear bars, a plainer tail, and shorter dorsal rays.

Breeding

Eggs are attached in sheltered cavities. Mature males usually hold broad territories encompassing several females, though stable pairs sometimes form. Very soft acidic water is needed for proper egg development. The male generally patrols the wider territory while the female tends the brood.

Hatching takes roughly 36–72 hours, with free swimming another five or six days later. Fry can then usually take Artemia nauplii. With good care, maturity is reached in about five or six months.