So. Am. Dwarf Cichlids

[Elrohirthehasty]

I have a ten gallon tank that is waiting to be occupied. It's cycled and everything; I've had it for a while, but know I'm trying to decide what to stock it with this time around. I've always wanted cichlids, but most get too big for a pair to be in a 10g tank. They someone pointed me to So. Am. Dwarf cichlids. However, there are TONS of different kinds and I have no idea which to get. What are some favorites? and what are (if any) special needs of these fish?

 

[Colin_T]

Apistogramma cacatuoides are one of the easiest to keep and breed and are available in a few colours. The males get to about 2 inches and have big fins and lots of colour. The females get to about 1 inch and are a pale brown but turn yellow when breeding.

 

[jb12288]

they also need soft water,neutral pH, and hiding places

 

[Colin_T]

if you get captive bred A. cacatuoides then they will live and breed in alkaline water (PH about 7.8) and medium hard water with a GH of 200-250ppm.
In alkaline water you get more male young being produced.

If you are keeping wild caught fish then they do need soft acid water but will tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline, (PH to about 7.4).

 

[Elrohirthehasty]

Apistogramma cacatuoides are one of the easiest to keep and breed and are available in a few colours. The males get to about 2 inches and have big fins and lots of colour. The females get to about 1 inch and are a pale brown but turn yellow when breeding.

would i keep these in a male/female pair or a male/2 females trio?

 

[saz326]

Apistogramma cacatuoides are one of the easiest to keep and breed and are available in a few colours.

I love these fish and am looking to have a pair (or trio) in my community aquarium... But I cant for the life of me find any in shops within a 15 mile radius.

Have a look at this site: http/www.aquahobby.com/e_freshwater_trop...uarium_fish.php
at the "american cichlids" part of the page. The page gives information on loads of fishies. Taka a look at your tank pH, hardness of water etc then see if you can find some fishies that would suit you.

 

[Colin_T]

would i keep these in a male/female pair or a male/2 females trio?

I prefer a pr consisting of 1m & 1f. You can keep them in groups with 1m and 2-4f, however you usually get better results from a single pr per tank.

sorry about the late response I only just got the email.

 

[spectrum]

I have always thought rams are beautiful, although not TO easy to keep happy, but VERY easy to breed
, well mine bred in the first 2 days i got them..