Apistogramma cruzi

81°F
Explanation of the symbols

77°F

Family : Cichlidae
Origin : Brazil, Colombia, Peru
Length : 8 cm - 3"
Min.length aquarium : 100 cm - 40"
English name : Cruzi Dwarf Cichlid
A territorial fish that can be combined with other Apistogramma species, corydoras, and schooling fish of the upper swimming levels. Males form harems, thus one male should be kept with several females.  Males defend a large territory in which several females may guard their own brood. The aquarium should be set up with stones, driftwood and roots, and on the sides and background densely planted, because they need hiding places. Females are aggressive to each other so you need a bigger tank.

The fish is omnivorous, so you should give them a great variety of live, frozen and dry food.

Breeding is not easy.  Up to 60 eggs are laid and fertilized in a cave.  After 3 days the eggs hatch and another 6 days later the young fishes are swimming free.  The female guards the young fanatical and the male defends the territory.  You can feed the young with infusoria and a few days later with baby brine shrimp.

Photo Credit

Jan Bukkems

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