Apistogramma megaptera
The first thing you notice when you see Apistogramma megaptera is the high dorsal fin of the male. In adults, this will be bluish, as will the anal fin. The tail fin of the males is vertically striped, which, in combination with the fin rays, makes it appear blocky. In both sexes, the wide black stripe that runs diagonally backward from the eye is very noticeable, hence the former name Apistogramma sp. breitbinden. Males grow to about 8 cm long, females remain significantly smaller at 5 cm.
Origin
Eastern Colombia, western Venezuela and northern Brazil.
The aquarium
The setup is no different from other Apistogramma species. Create many view breakers and three caves per female, this can be achieved with wood, stones, coconuts, leaves and even plants. These fish are constantly digging in the sand to filter this over the gills, so provide a fine sandy bottom.
Water parameters
Temperature: 23-31 degrees Celsius.
PH: 3.5 -6
GH: 0-5
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 eat live food, such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, cyclops, artemia, and frozen food.
Character
Apistogramma megaptera is not the easiest fish to keep, partly because they need very clean water, and partly because of the large amount of space they require. However, if these requirements are met, you will have an easy fish. To prevent aggression between the fish, it is wise to add a few high-swimming salmons such as Nannostomus species. In aquariums smaller than one meter, it is better to choose another Apistogramma species, this is just enough for a harem of 1 male and 3 females. In large aquariums from 1.60, a group can be kept.
Breeding Apistogramma megaptera
Males have a large territory in which they mate with several females. The courtship can last several days, after which the female lures the male into a burrow where she alone fits; the eggs are fertilized from outside the burrow, after which the female swims back and forth to get the milt into the burrow. Soft, acidic water is needed for successful breeding, 2GH, 3.5-5.5 pH. After 8-12 days, the young start swimming freely, after which they are cared for by the female for 3 weeks, after which the young remain in the male’s territory for a few more weeks. The young are only sexually mature after almost 1 year. At low temperatures and a low pH most young will be female, at high temperatures and a higher pH they are mainly male.
Video
Author
Jelle
Copyright images
Erik Bakker – Aqua-specials.nl