Apistogramma Kelleri
Apistogramma Kelleri, or as it is also called, Apistogramma Leticia, naturally inhabits the Amazon basin in the area bordering each other in Brazil, Colombia and Peru. The fish stay in small channels through the rainforest. Often these channels do not exceed 1 m in width or even 30 cm in depth. The substrate is mostly sandy, covered by a thick layer of fallen tree leaves. There is almost no aquatic vegetation. This fish appeared on the domestic market relatively recently (2018) and is distinguished by its peaceful disposition, unusual behaviour and ease of keeping.
The body of the male Apistogramma sp. Kelleri is coloured silver with a bluish tint in the reflected light. On the head, a dark diagonal stripe runs from the eye downwards. The coloration of females is yellowish. Males are brightly colored and have elongated fins. In addition, males are slightly larger than females, their length is 8 cm, while the size of the females does not exceed 6.5 cm.
Keep Apistogramma Kelleri preferably in a species or community aquarium with other non-aggressive, comparable in size, fish. It is desirable to avoid cohabitation with other apistogramma species. Kelleri in general is quite calm fish. If the aquarium is small, it is desirable to keep only one fish. In a large aquarium with a volume of more than 150 liters, you can keep a group of fish.
The Kelleri Apistogramma has no special requirements for the interior design of the aquarium. Ceramic pots, plastic tubes, the diameter of which allows the fish to swim freely in them, snags and tree branches can be placed at the bottom. The bottom ground should be sandy. Adding dried oak or beech leaves at the bottom will bring the aquarium conditions even closer to natural, and in addition, in the process of decomposition, the leaf litter will develop a colony of bacteria that are good food for fry. Every 2-3 weeks, the leaf litter should be replaced with a new one.
Water parameters: temperature 22-29° C, hardness dH 0-5°, pH 4,0-6,0. Requires aeration, good filtration and a daily change of 1/3 of the aquarium water with fresh water.
Light is low, with an intensity of approximately 0.25 Watts per litre. Daily light duration 9-10 hours.
In natural conditions, the fish menu consists mainly of small invertebrates. In aquarium conditions, the fish are fed with live and frozen artemia, daphnia and chironomid moths. The fish do not refuse a variety of dry flakes and pellets. Feed the fish twice a day.
Reproduction
Under suitable keeping conditions, the Apistogramma Kelleri spawns occasionally. The fish become sexually mature at 4-5 months of age.
They incubate the eggs in their mouths or in a small hole dug in the substrate. Both parents take care of the eggs. According to observations by aquarists, if there is a current of water in the aquarium, the care of the clutch takes the male, and if the water flow is absent or very weak, then the female takes care of the eggs. Depending on water temperature, the eggs incubate for 36-60 hours. For the first 8-10 days of their lives, the fry feed on their yolk sacs, and then eagerly begin to eat Artemia nauplii. The fry are fed 4 times a day.
Apistogramma sp. Kelleri has a lifespan of about 3.5 - 4 years in an aquarium.
