Apistogramma baenschi
Apistogramma baenschi was officially described in 2004 by Römer, Hahn, Römer, Soares & Wöhler. The genus name Apistogramma can be broken down into two ancient Greek words. Apisto means uncertain and gramma means signal. This is a reference to the variably developed lateral line, which largely consists only of pore scales. The species name baenschi was given to it in honor of Hans Baensch, a German writer of aquarium books.
Before they were officially described, they were known as Apistogramma sp. Inka.
Description
Apistogramma beanschi typically reaches a length of about 7 to 8 cm. Males display a bluish base color, featuring a prominent dorsal fin, and their tails exhibit a ring that ranges from yellow to red. The vertical stripes on their bodies are visually striking. In contrast, females are much less colorful; they have a yellow base color and, during the breeding season, they become bright yellow with bold black vertical stripes.
Origin
Northwestern Peru
The Aquarium
To care for Apistogramma baenschi, you will need an aquarium that is at least 80 centimeters in length. A pair of these fish can thrive in this space. When setting up the aquarium, create a suitable environment by using a sandy bottom and incorporating various structural elements such as pieces of wood, stones, plants, and leaves. It is important to provide around three breeding caves for each female to ensure they have options for nesting. Additionally, they can be kept in a planter, but for a natural biotope, it is best to minimize plant presence and instead cover the bottom with a few centimeters of leaves.
Water parameters
Temperature: 20-26 degrees Celsius
pH: 4-6.5
GH: 0-4
In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten their average lifespan.
Diet
In the wild, Apistogramma feed on detritus, filtering out edible material. In the aquarium, this natural behavior can be simulated by allowing leaves and branches to decompose on the bottom. Additionally, these fish can be fed various types of live and frozen food. However, it’s important not to overfeed them with red mosquito larvae and tubifex. Apistogramma also enjoy nibbling on algae tablets.
Character
Apistogramma are quite friendly and can coexist well with other fish. In smaller tanks, it’s important to keep the bottom of the aquarium free for this species. An aquarium that is 80 centimeters long is sufficient for a pair, while a 1-meter tank can accommodate one male with three females. This species, part of the Nijsseni complex, is unique in that it can form both couples and harems. In larger tanks, measuring 150 centimeters or more, you can keep a group of at least three males along with an equal number of females. This setup encourages the most natural behavior among the fish.
Breeding Apistogramma baenschi
Breeding Apistogramma baenschi is relatively easy. When kept in somewhat harder, slightly acidic water, the fish tend to create small nests. In contrast, in softer acidic water, the nests are significantly larger, and the fry are generally stronger under these conditions. Depending on the temperature, the eggs will hatch within 36 to 72 hours, and about 5 to 6 days later, the fry will become free-swimming. At this stage, they can be fed freshly hatched artemia. With ample food and frequent water changes to ensure cleanliness, the fry grow quite quickly. After about 5 to 6 months, the fry will reach sexual maturity.
Video
Author
Jelle
Copyright images
F. Ingemann Hansen – Akvariefotografen.com
Bas Harmsen