We have already reported on Apistogramma bitaeniata several times, please see hhttps://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/apistogramma-bitaenata-brazil/ or https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/fisharchive/apistogramma-bitaeniata-putumayo-4/. This species is without doubt one of the most beautiful dwarf cichlids around. We have recently received a locality variant from Brazil that differs in color from the specimens we normally obtain from there. In the light of the torch, we noticed a lot of blue fluorescent spots on the freshly imported specimens, which is why we refer to them as “blue” on the stock list. In acclimatized specimens, however, these blue fluorescent colors are only visible to a limited extent and yellow color elements come to the fore.
The supplier gave us Careiro da Várzea as the area where they are found, which is a community at the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Amazon, about 25 km southeast of Manaus. For several reasons that cannot be discussed in detail here, such information should always be viewed with a certain degree of skepticism.
Whether blue or yellow, Careiro da Várzea or anywhere else: they are beautiful fish! A. bitaeniata requires clean water with as few germs as possible. Hardness and pH value are not particularly important for pure maintenance, but in soft, acidic water the fish are most beautifully colored and only in such water is the spawn able to develop. Apart from that, all the basic rules of Apistogramma care apply, i.e. sandy substrate, a richly structured aquarium and, if possible, an excess of females (3-4 females per male). They will eat any common ornamental fish food of a suitable size and the water temperature for this species should be in the range of 24-30°C. A. bitaeniata are typical cave breeders, the female, which is intensely yellow in color during the spawning mood, takes care of the spawn and young fish, while the male defends the territory of his harem.
For our customers: the photographed animals have code 615084 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer