Apistogramma paucisquamis
Apistogramma paucisquamis is naturally found in South America, in the Rio Negro River. This fish is a very variable species in terms of its coloration. Before Apistogramma paucisquamis was first described by Kullander and Staeck in 1988, this fish was known among aquarists as Apistogramma sp. glanzbinden.
The history of Apistogramma paucisquamis is quite interesting. For the first time these fish were imported into Germany in 1981. Then were delivered only male white and orange coloration and any information about how to look like females was not, respectively, it was not clear about the difficulties of breeding these fish in aquarium conditions.
In 1984, information was presented on the natural habitat conditions of these fish and the required conditions of captivity. According to these data, breeding Apistogramma paucisquamis is very difficult and requires very soft water.
The males are larger than the females, measuring up to 7 cm in length, while the limiting size of the females is about 4 cm. The tail plumage of males is lyre-shaped with dark mottling, while females have a rounded tail fin shape and completely transparent.
Males are constantly in conflict with each other, so the aquarium preferably contain 1 male and 2-4 females. For such a number of fish would be sufficient aquarium volume of 80 liters. It is very important that each female in the aquarium was its own shelter. Also, these apistogramma are aggressive against other apistogramma species and small cichlids, but at the same time is absolutely indifferent to other types of fish. Most of the time fish spend in the middle and lower layers of water.
Water parameters: temperature 22-31° C, hardness dH 0-12°, pH acidity 5,5-7,5. Need aeration, filtration and weekly replacement of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh. To improve the well-being of fish in the filter element of the water filter should be placed a few lumps of peat. The fish are very sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry.
As the ground should be used coarse river sand. At the bottom should be placed a large number of different shelters and plants planted in ceramic pots.
The menu of fish are a variety of live (Tubifex, chironomid, Artemia) and dry food, and live food should be predominant.
Reproduction
Apistogramma paucisquamis are one of the most difficult fish to breed. The decisive condition for fish reproduction in the aquarium is soft and acidic water. The fish spawn in a pre-selected shelter. The female fiercely guards the territory with a clutch, takes care of eggs and fry.
Life expectancy Apistogramma paucisquamis in aquarium conditions is about 8 years.
