Origin
Rio Juruá border area Brazil and Peru
Description
Females of the Apistogramma juruensis grow to about 6 centimeters, and males grow much larger at 9 centimeters. In terms of shape, the fish looks very similar to Apistogramma cacatuoides. The difference between the females is almost invisible, although the black spot on the chin of Apistogramma juruensis is slightly larger. The chin spot is also noticeable in males. The anterior fin rays of the male dorsal fin have red tips. Another apparent identification characteristic is the jet-black longitudinal stripe.
The Aquarium
For the Apistogramma juruensis, an aquarium of about half a square meter, or 100 cm by 50 cm, is necessary. The tank should be well-furnished, which can be achieved using plenty of plants, wood, stones, and leaves. These fish feel at home in both a well-furnished blackwater tank and a planted aquarium.
Water parameters
Temperature: 20-29 degrees Celsius.
PH: 4.5-7
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
Apistogramma are naturally detritivorous, a layer of detritus on the bottom from which they filter their food is ideal. They also like small live food such as mosquito larvae, mysis, daphnia, cyclops and brine shrimp, as well as frozen food.
Character
This fish is peaceful and can be kept in a harem setup, which consists of one male and at least three females. If you have only one female, the male may become overly focused on her, potentially leading to aggressive behavior that could harm her. With two females, the competition between them can create significant aggression, resulting in one female becoming a target. In a larger aquarium (at least 1.5 meters long), you can keep a group of at least three males together without issues.
The dominance struggle between males is so ritualized that there are rarely any injuries. Only females with a nest sometimes injure other fish. In a community aquarium, ensure you do not have too busy fish or many bottom dwellers. Especially the combination with Corydoras species can cause stress for both species.
Breeding
Breeding is most effective at temperatures between 24-26 degrees Celsius, with a pH of 5.5, a KH of 2, and a maximum conductivity of 50 microSiemens per centimeter. Within two hours, the female can lay 80-150 eggs in a nest. Interestingly, the male does not defend a large territory; instead, he stays close to the nest until the young are able to swim freely. Once the young are ready to venture out, the female chases the male away, allowing him to defend the entire territory until the young are a few weeks old. After that period, he is allowed to accompany them again.
After about four months, the young reach sexual maturity at a size of 3 to 5 cm. The father will then drive the young males away from his territory. The young females will form their own territory around a burrow.
Video
Author
Jelle
Copyright images
F. Ingemann Hansen – Akvariefotografen.com