All fish / Cichlidae

Apistogramma eremnopyge

Apistogramma eremnopyge

Also known as eremnopyge apisto, apistogramma sp. rotpunkt, rotpunkt apisto, red spot apistogramma, apisto eremnopyge, アピストグラマ・エレムノピゲ, 黑臀阿卡

This is a small, slender dwarf cichlid from blackwater streams near Iquitos, with a dark lateral band and a sooty rear body and tail, which gives it its name. Males show red spots on the cheeks and fins and have extended dorsal fin rays. Keepers like it for its lively behaviour and how well it suits small planted tanks with soft, acidic water.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

4.5 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

4.5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One male with two or three females, or a pair

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp and bloodworm, plus quality small granules

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peru: upper Amazon, Río Nanay and Ampiyacu basins around Iquitos

Breeding

The female lays eggs in a cave and guards the eggs and fry while turning yellow and black, and the male defends the wider territory. It breeds fairly readily in soft, acidic water, but the eggs often fail in hard or alkaline conditions.

Good to know

It needs very soft, acidic and clean water, and it may be sold under the old trade code A. sp. Rotpunkt. Males fight among themselves, so give plenty of caves and only keep several males in larger tanks.