Origin
Colombia
Appearance
Apistogramma iniridae is a small species of Apistogramma, with females reaching about 6 centimeters in length and males growing up to 9 centimeters. Males develop stunning long fins on both their dorsal and pectoral regions. While their coloration may not be as vibrant as that of some other species, their beautiful fins certainly make them stand out.
The Aquarium
Apistogramma iniridae require a minimum aquarium size of 80 centimeters. A single pair can be housed in such a tank. The setup can be similar to that of other Apistogramma species: use a sandy substrate and include plenty of structural elements, such as pieces of wood, stones, and leaves. Ensure there are about three breeding sites available for each female to choose from. For a natural biotope, the bottom should be covered with a few centimeters of leaves.
Water parameters
Temperature: 24-30 degrees Celsius
pH: 4-6.5
GH: 0-2
These fish should be kept in warm, very soft water!
Diet
In their natural habitat, Apistogramma feeds on detritus, filtering out edible material from it. To replicate this in an aquarium, allow leaves and branches to decompose on the bottom. Additionally, you can provide them with various types of live and frozen foods. However, avoid giving them excessive amounts of red mosquito larvae and tubifex. They also enjoy nibbling on algae tablets.
Character
For a pair of Apistogramma iniridae, a tank measuring 80 centimeters is sufficient. It’s important to include compatible tank mates to minimize aggression within the pair. However, due to their feisty nature, it’s advisable to keep these fish in a larger tank, ideally 150 centimeters or more. In such a setup, it’s best to have a group consisting of at least three males and an equal number of females. This arrangement promotes more natural behavior and helps distribute aggression among the fish, leading to a healthier environment.
Breeding
Breeding Apistogramma iniridae can be challenging, as the water must be very soft and acidic. The female typically lays around 150 eggs in a burrow. After about 10 days, the fry begin to swim freely for the first time. During the first week, the mother guides them through the tank, but after that, the males often help care for a portion of the group. The young fish grow relatively quickly during the first three months. They reach sexual maturity at around 9 months of age when they measure approximately 4 centimeters in length.
Author
Jelle
Copyright images
F. Ingemann Hansen – Akvariefotografen.com
