隆头隐带丽鱼 · Blackline Apisto

Overview

Apistogramma gibbiceps is a Brazilian dwarf cichlid recognizable by a row of short dark marks below the main flank band, particularly once settled. It can be tolerant of suitable small companions, but breeding brings territorial defense and males may harass unready females.

Distribution & habitat

Records come from the Branco and middle Negro basins in Roraima and Amazonas, Brazil. Some fish near Boa Vista were collected in forest streams and a temporary pool and described as Apistogramma roraimae. The middle Negro is a soft, acidic blackwater river, though that regional description is not a full set of measurements for every collection site.

Aquarium setup

Provide at least 45 × 30 cm of floor space for a pair. One male with several females requires more area and a separated cave for each female. Sand, roots, caves and leaves supply cover, including entrances the male cannot use. Keep lighting dim and circulation gentle; floating plants provide shade.

Use only a mature aquarium and prevent organic waste from accumulating. Replace leaves as they break down and maintain water changes, since decomposition adds to the waste load. Soft acidic water is appropriate, with 27–29 °C and pH 5–6.5 as care references.

Diet & feeding

Small invertebrates dominate natural feeding. Combine suitably sized live or frozen brine shrimp, water fleas and bloodworm with quality small pellets or granules.

Behaviour & compatibility

Small peaceful upper-water fishes can help it settle. Avoid other Apistogramma and bottom-dwelling cichlids. A dedicated group of one male with three or more females can spread his attention, provided the aquarium is larger and each female has a distinct cave territory.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger, more colorful and longer-finned, with a streamer near the middle of each tail lobe. Females are smaller and plainer.

Breeding

Eggs are attached to the cave roof. The female guards them and the fry, potentially excluding the male. Hatching takes about three days and free swimming another four or five; newly hatched brine shrimp is suitable first food. Some pairs divide the brood and guard separate groups. Fry need small, regular water changes because chemistry shifts are poorly tolerated. A reported figure of roughly 250 eggs every six weeks from a good pair is an observation, not a guaranteed output.

Notes

The identification code is A209. The original type series contained other species and was later reexamined; Apistogramma roraimae is now treated as a synonym. The apparent head hump behind the name may partly reflect swelling in preserved material, so a prominent hump is not a reliable sole identifier of live fish.