Apistogramma pertensis
Apistogramma pertensis, as this fish is also called, was first described in 1911 by ichthyologist Hasman. These fish naturally inhabit the Amazon River in Brazil and almost all its tributaries. This undemanding species of fish and can be kept even by novice aquarists.
Apistogramma pertensis has a yellowish-brown color giving a greenish or bluish glare in the reflected light. Scales on the body of fish with dark edging. Along the whole body, from the eye to the spot at the root of the tail plumage is a dark stripe. Also on the sides of the fish are 7-8 dark vertical stripes. At the root of the tail plumage is a dark spot, and the tail itself is decorated with a net pattern. Males are larger than females and may measure up to 8 cm in length, while females do not exceed 5 cm. Dorsal plumage of males is elongated and sulcus-shaped. The edges of the anal and dorsal plumage are pointed, while those of females are rounded. The coloration of females is paler, silvery or golden-yellow, with dark stripes on the sides. Most of the time fish spend in the lower and middle layers of water.
Apistogramma pertensis is in general a peaceful fish with no signs of aggression towards other fish species. These fish show their militant nature only to other apistogramma species and dwarf cichlids. The perimeter of the aquarium should be densely planted and place at the bottom a large number of different shelters in the form of grottos, stones and ceramic pots, put sideways, among which will hide the females. Keep the fish can be as a pair or a group consisting of 1 male and 3-4 females.
Water parameters: 22-26°C, hardness dH 1-17°, acidity pH 5,5-7,5. Necessary filtration and aeration of water, as well as a weekly replacement of 1/3 of it with fresh water. To improve the well-being of fish in the filter element of the water, it is desirable to put a few pieces of peat. Water quality must be taken very seriously, because these fish are very sensitive to disease provoked by dirty water and treat them then very difficult due to the fact that fish tolerate chemicals.
Fish are not picky about their menu and eat almost all foods they are given. Preference should be given to live and frozen food (Tubifex, chironomid, Artemia, etc.).
Reproduction
Apistogramma pertensis reaches sexual maturity at the age of 7-10 months.
It should be warned that the main difficulty in breeding these fish is to find a suitable pair. For breeding, producers are transplanted into the spawning aquarium of about 20 liters. Spawning is stimulated by raising the water temperature to 28 ° C.
During spawning, the female lays eggs (100-120 eggs) on the inner walls of the shelter and after fertilization of eggs by the male remains to care for her. The eggs are incubated for 3 days. Hatching fry begin to swim and feed on the 7th day.
During the first days of life, fry are fed with infusoria, and a week later begin to give artemia.
Life expectancy Apistogramma pertensis in aquarium conditions is about 4-5 years.
