Apistogramma acrensis Staeck
Apistogramma acrensis Staeck are found naturally in the basin of the Acre River in the state of Acre, Brazil. Fish can be found in the coastal zone at a depth of 40-50 cm, in places with substrate consisting of fallen tree leaves. The fish are not difficult to keep and can be recommended to novice aquarists.
Apistogramma acrensis Staeck has a body slightly compressed from the sides. The basic coloration is gray-brown with a metallic cast. The belly is gray. The head is decorated with reddish wavy stripes. There are small red-orange spots on the muzzle and cheeks. A black stripe runs diagonally from the eye. The same stripe runs from the eye to the root of the tail plumage, ending with a black spot of oval or round shape. Tail plumage is rounded, transparent. Dorsal plumage is broad, gray-blue. In males, the anal and dorsal plumage are elongated and pointed at the end. Females are almost twice as small as males. They have yellow coloration. Instead of a longitudinal stripe along the body, they have about 6 dark spots present. The maximum size of the fish is 7 cm.
Keep Apistogramma acrensis Staeck is recommended to keep a small group of 1-2 males and 2 females in a spacious aquarium. Each male and female in the aquarium occupies a certain territory, which is protected from other fish. Fish strongly conflict with each other, with males showing their aggressive temperament towards males, and females towards females. In a small aquarium should not be more than 1 female. To other species of fish apistogramma acre shows no signs of intolerance.
In the aquarium should be maximally simulate the natural conditions in which these fish live for which to place in it a large number of shelters in the form of large stones and snags. The soil should be sandy on top of which to lay a kind of bedding of fallen oak leaves. Around the perimeter of the aquarium should be densely planted with aquarium plants.
Water parameters, the following: temperature 23-30° C, hardness dH 0-14°, acidity pH 5,5-7,2. In general, fish quite easily tolerate fluctuations in water parameters within the specified limits, the only thing you need to know - with water acidity below 5.5 significantly reduces the life expectancy of fish and their fertility. Need filtration, aeration and weekly replacement of 1/3 of the aquarium water fresh.
The menu of Apistogramma acrensis Staeck consists of a variety of live and dry food. the most preferable: trubichnik, moth, artemia. Feed the fish should be 2-3 times a day.
Reproduction
The female spawns in a secluded place whether it is a crevice between stones, grotto or a secret place in driftwood. She also takes care of the eggs and fry. During the period of care for eggs and fry female becomes overly aggressive to the male and in some cases can even beat him to death, so immediately after the spawning of the female and fertilization of eggs by the male it is desirable to send him to another aquarium.
Life expectancy Apistogramma acrensis Staeck in aquarium conditions is about 4-5 years.
