Apistogramma is the common genus name for more than a hundred species of dwarf cichlids found in tropical areas of the Amazon basin and Venezuela. Apistogramma literally means "irregular lateral line" referring to a common trait of the species under this taxon. Males, at just over three inches total length themselves, may be almost twice as large as the females. Brood care is highly developed, as in most Cichlidae. A successful male patrols an area containing a harem of females who tend schools of fry in small depressions in sand or among leaf litter. In biology, a genus (plural genera) is a grouping in the classification of living organisms having one or more related and morphologically similar species. ... Length >6,400 km Elevation of the source 5,597 m Average discharge 219,000 m³/s Area watershed 6,915,000 km² Origin  Nevado Mismi Mouth  Atlantic Ocean Basin countries Brazil (62. ... Genera Apistogramma - Dwarf Cichlids Astronotus (Oscars) Boulengerochromis Cichlasoma - American Ciclids Crenicichla Pterophyllum - Freshwater Angelfish Symphysodon - Discus Teleogramma Tilapia Cichlids are a family of perciform fishes. ...

Often, each female will pick a favorite spot and defend it against others. Most of the time, they are shy and peaceful, but Apistogramma may be aggressive when spawning, a common trait found amongst most cichlids. When it is spawning time, any catfish that live with the Apistogramma must be removed. In order to protect their brood, Apistogramma may pick out the eyes of the catfish.

Apistogramma inhabit soft acidic water. They like a pH between 5.5-6.8. Some species can live in a wider variety of pH, they are very sensitive to water chemistry changes.

Apistogramma species are highly suited to those home aquariums where their requirements for warmth and soft, acidic water can be met, although they are not recommended for beginners. A 335,000 U.S. gallon (1. ...

Common Species

Below is a list of commonly found species of Apistogramma:

Apistogramma agassizi - Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma borellii - Yellow Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma cacatuoides - Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid (Avaliable in many colour morphs, including triple red and orange flash

Apistogramma trifasciata - Blue Apistogramma

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi - Blue Ram or Butterfly Cichlid (used to be in the genus Apistogramma)

External links

• Cichlids-Apistogramma