Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans
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| Common name: | |
| Scientific name: | Apistogramma viejita |
| Synonyms: | (none) |
| Size: | Up to 2" (5cm), female smaller. |
| Origin: | South America: Colombia |
| Tank setup: | Planted tank, with rock or bogwood caves. |
| Compatibility: | More peaceful than larger cichlids, but they will become territorial when spawning. |
| Temperature: | 24-28oC (75-82oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Soft and acidic preferred, but captive bred fish tolerate harder and more alkaline water. |
| Feeding: | Carnivorous: Will take dry foods, but live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, cyclops and mosquito larvae will be preferred. |
| Sexing: | Males are larger and more colourful with elongated fins. |
| Breeding: | Soft and acidic water of excellent quality required.
Can be bred as a pair or a harem with several females holding small territories. Provide caves with a small entrance.
The female normally guards the fry, while the male defends the wider territory. Fry are normally free-swimming in about a week. |
| Comments: |
There are three colour forms of this species. The form referred to as "Form II" is very popular and has red spots on the head area.
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