Hi all,

I'm thinking about starting up another tank of around 200L and was researching fish to put in it and came across the dwarf cichlids and would like some things clarified if I may?

The tank will almost definitely have a sand substrate with a fair bit of planting.

What are the species available in NZ and do they have different requirements when it comes to water parameters/tank setup/tank mates etc?

Any other tips or details about them would be much appreciated.

Cheers, Sam

I'm very pleased for you that you want to get some Apistos. They are simply one of the most coolest fish around.

There are only a few species available in NZ, although it makes choosing what species you want easier

Apistogramma agassizii 'Double Red'

Apistogramma cacatuoides (there's a few different colours available I think, so just hunt around until you find one you like)

Apistogramma macmasteri

Apistogramma trifasciata

Apistogramma hongsloi

Apistogramma nijsseni

Apistogramma eunotus

I think that's it,I may have missed some...

They all pretty much require the same care - water with a pH from 5-7, not too hard, and they can be kept with a range of different fish. They are best suited to biotope tanks or well-planted setups so your tank will be ideal for them. Catfish, tetras, rasboras, non-aggressive barbs, livebearers, rainbows etc will all be compatible with them. They do need a varied diet - livefood, frozen food, freeze-dried stuff, greens and veges if they'll eat them (mine sometimes eat mushed-up carrot) and good-quality flake and granules is all great for maintaining good health and nice colours. As for stocking, it depends on what species and how many you have. Some people say that they can be super aggressive and not to stock too heavily, and others seem to get away with it. I've seen a tank measuring 125x45x70cm with about 15 or so pairs in it! I have a tank that's 100x30x50cm, and I have a trio of macmasteri, and I used to have two pairs of trifasciata and they all got along fine. The trifasciata all died bar one female of unknown causes.

Thanks for such a detailed reply!!

I'm guessing the species will depend greatly on what the lfs has in stock when I'm ready to get them, though I do love the look of A. trifaschiata!

Is there any particular male:female ratio that works best?

I have been drooling over whiptail catfish lately so may have to get one as a tank mate if further research suggests that they would be compatible.

Cheers!

Usually pairs are good, although some particular males might beat up their female so more have to be added to ease the aggression.

Thank you!!!