Apistogramma

[Underwater]

Hello.

I am seriously considering getting some apistos for my 25 gallon tank, once it's up and running again.  I know we have some apisto experts here, so I want to get some background info.

Are apistos best kept in pairs or trios?  I have heard several different theories on this.

How different are the different species of Apisto?  Do they all grow to be the same size, and have similar temperment and food requirements?

[Woody]

Apisto's vary so much it is impossible to put them into one sentence.
From the beautiful and quiet to the ugly and nasty, and all combinations inbetween.
It would probably be best if you researched a little and come back with species you would be interested in.
I will recommend borelli though. The males are absolutely gorgeous, they are peaceful and you could keep a harem, 1M 3-4 F in a twenty five that is well planted. You won't have to mess with Ottawa water parameters as they will thrive and breed in our tap water, and they actually prefer cooler water, in the low 70"s is perfect. Not fussy with the food. Perfect.

Woody

[BigDaddy]

Most can be kept in pairs, but some do better as trios

Differences?  Huge.  Mostly aggression levels.

They are all "dwarf" cichlids... but some grow larger than others (cacatuoides for example, are a large bodied species)

Food requirements are pretty much all the same

What species peaked your curiousity?

[mseguin]

Different species can be quite different in temperament and breeding structure. I have some wild panduros that are very bold and come right out to the front of the aquarium, and some wild uaupesi that are timid as anything. Most of the ones I have are fairly peaceful other than with each other. For food generally they're not picky, and while sizes range, most are within the 2-3" range.

[Underwater]

I've kept cacatuoides for a few months, then had to sell them due to the move.

I am looking for a species that will do well in Ottawa water (soft, neutral to slightly acidic), active yet peaceful enough to be kept comfortably in a 25 gallon.  It can be cramped quarters to be in a 2 foot tank with a bully 

I would really like something that will breed readily in Ottawa water.

I hear cacatuoides are pretty aggressive, but I never had problems in my 75 gallon.  25 gallons is much less space, though.

I have only seen A. cacatuoides, A. agassizi. A. Borelli and A. ramirezi in local stores.

[mseguin]

We usually have a few other species at BA (hippolytae, panduro, uaupesi, and borelli) right now but some of them are wild and probably wouldnt cope that well with Ottawa water. Ottawa water is usually mildly basic, but I use peat to lower it to neutral or lower. I would recommend cacs, aggies, or borellis, or bolivian or german rams. The aggies tend to have a fairly large territory, but aren't heavily aggressive to other species, in my experience.

[BigDaddy]

I've kept cacatuoides for a few months, then had to sell them due to the move.

I am looking for a species that will do well in Ottawa water (soft, neutral to slightly acidic), active yet peaceful enough to be kept comfortably in a 25 gallon.  It can be cramped quarters to be in a 2 foot tank with a bully 

I would really like something that will breed readily in Ottawa water.

I hear cacatuoides are pretty aggressive, but I never had problems in my 75 gallon.  25 gallons is much less space, though.

I have only seen A. cacatuoides, A. agassizi. A. Borelli and A. ramirezi in local stores.

Just a correction  - a ramirezi doesn't exist.  German Blue Rams were originally thought of as an apisto, but have since been reclassified.  Although their "official" name is still Papilochromis ramirezi, the accepted name is Mikrogeophagus ramirezi.

A. cacuatoides as a trio will live quite comfortably in a 25 gallon.  As long as their are enough hiding spaces for everyone.  Just in case you want to resume with a fish you are already comfortable with...

[Underwater]

Just a correction  - a ramirezi doesn't exist.  German Blue Rams were originally thought of as an apisto, but have since been reclassified.  Although their "official" name is still Papilochromis ramirezi, the accepted name is Mikrogeophagus ramirezi.

A. cacuatoides as a trio will live quite comfortably in a 25 gallon.  As long as their are enough hiding spaces for everyone.  Just in case you want to resume with a fish you are already comfortable with...

Good to know.  I thought Mikrogeophagus ramirezi was a different species than Apistogramma ramirezi.   

Any to stay away from?

[mseguin]

All depends how much work you want to do to create the appropriate habitat. If yuo want to avoid a ton of work trying to get good water parameters, you probably want to avoid blackwater species (extremely soft water, very low pH). Can't really make a list, but mostly, a pair or trio of most apistos should be ok in a 25.

[apistome]

Are you going to the meeting on Monday? If so I can bring my SA Dwarf Cichlid Atlas for you to borrow.

I currently have 6 cacs and 2 gephyra in a planted 55 community tank and they almost ignore each other, to busy chasing their own kind,my pencilfish and corys away.

I wouldn't put more then 3 cacs in a 25 though, you will probably get some deaths.

oh yeah, you can see the tank at the meeting, it's part of the homeshow. i am working on the soundtrack now 

[sarahbella]

I have a pair of a. panduros in a 20 and i like them very much. The females are very pretty.
I keep 2 pairs of cacs in a 20 as well without any problems, however, 3 pairs was too many. 

The a. panduros stay near the bottom all the time so they aren't nearly as interesting to watch as the cacs who seem to utilize all areas of the tank.

the panduro's are my faves, mine seem to have more personality.

[Underwater]

Thanks for all the input!

I have a lot to research.

Keep the input coming!