All fish / Cichlidae

Regan's Apisto

Apistogramma regani

Also known as regani apisto, regan's dwarf cichlid, apistogramma regani, apisto regani, アピストグラマ・レガニ, 雷氏阿卡西短鲷

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A small dwarf cichlid with a buff to yellowish body, a dark lateral band and blue sheen on the cheeks and fins in males. It is kept for its interesting parental behaviour and suits planted, softwater community tanks with peaceful dither fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

One male with one to three females

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Middle and lower Amazon basin, Brazil (Rio Negro to Rio Tapajós area)

Breeding

A cave spawner: the female lays eggs inside a cave or under a leaf and guards eggs and fry while the male defends the territory. Breeding is fairly achievable in soft, acidic water with good water quality.

Good to know

Males become territorial when breeding, so give plenty of caves and visual barriers. The name has been applied loosely in the trade to several similar species, so wild fish may be mislabelled.