Apistogramma tucurui
Apistogramma tucurui is naturally found in tropical areas of the Amazon and Venezuela. These fish belong to the dwarf cichlids. The fish can be found in shallow, clear channels in the shade of trees. The bottom is covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves. These fish can be recommended to those who have some experience with keeping fish from the Amazon.
The males of Apistogramma tucurui are usually much more colourful than the females. The body of females cream colour with golden rows (8-10 rows horizontally) of small dots. Males have the same rows of dots on their bodies as females. The male pelvic fins have golden-orange tips. The maximum size of the fish is 3-6 cm. Males are slightly larger than females.
Despite their small size, these fish are quite aggressive. It is not advisable to keep more than one male together. To contain fish suitable aquarium of 350 liters, which can contain 1 male and 5-6 females.
Apistogramma tucurui not aggressive against other fish (not dwarf cichlids). Keep them possible in a common aquarium with such fish as, neon, black tetras, discus, corydoras, guppies and danio.
Water parameters: temperature 24-26° C, hardness dH 5-19°, pH 5,5-7,6. Requires filtration, aeration and a weekly change of 1/10th of the aquarium water with fresh.
The aquarium should be densely planted with aquarium plants. At the bottom should be placed ceramic pots, coconut shells, large flat stones and grottos. Each female should get her own shelter.
The diet of the fish consists of a variety of dried flake food. Several times a week, the fish should be given frozen and live food: Artemia, Tubifex and bloodworms. The food should be shallow, as the mouths of the fish are small. Also, the food should be strictly dosed, as the fish are prone to overeating. The fish must be fed twice a day.
Reproduction
Apistogramma tukurui breed well in an aquarium. In a small aquarium, only a couple of fish need to be landed for spawning. If the aquarium is large, however, there may be 1 male with a large number of females. In such a tank should provide different places for spawning females, placing them in such a way that each of them did not see the spawning grounds of the others, otherwise the females will start to destroy each other's nests. Some fish choose to spawn on the surface of a large flat rock, while others spawn in caves.
The spawning is stimulated by raising the water temperature to 35°C. The clutch is taken care of by the female. The eggs incubate for 2-5 days, and after another 5 days the fry begin to swim and feed. The fry can be kept with the female fish provided she is kept in a separate tank from the other fish. If, however, in the aquarium with fry will be other adult fish, fry should preferably be set aside in another aquarium, otherwise avoid big territorial battles between adult fish.
Feed the fry with artemia 4-5 times a day.
Life expectancy Apistogramma tucurui in aquarium conditions is 3-4 years.
