Since its scientific description in 1980, this dwarf cichlid has been the subject of heated debate among enthusiasts. Some consider it to be another color variant of Apistogramma agassizii, while others are certain that it is a separate species. Both parties are probably right; there is no doubt that Apistogramma gephyra and A. agassizii are very closely related and only developed relatively recently from a common ancestral form. Whether they are therefore still considered to be a single species or already two different species is therefore ultimately a matter of taste.
Here in the wholesale trade we usually distinguish between A. agassizii and A. gephyra on the basis of a color detail that has proven to be quite reliable: the red fringe along the dorsal fin, which only A. gephyra shows.
Unfortunately, A. gephyra is rarely offered or correctly recognized by exporters. We have recently received some very beautiful specimens from the Santa Isabel area (Rio Negro, Brazil). Like all Apistogramma species from this region, the fish show a particularly high proportion of yellow and orange in their coloration, especially in the anal fin. However – and this also applies to all Apistogramma species – the animals are also polychromatic, i.e. differently colored specimens occur within the same population.
Further information on A. gephyra can be found here on captive bred specimens: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/25d-perchlike-fishes-4-south-american-dwarf-cichlids/apistogramma_gephyra_bred_en/ and here on wild-caught specimens and juvenile markings: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/apistogramma-gephyra-wild-2/
For our customers: A. gephyra Santa Isabel have code 619523 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
