Apistogramma
Description of the Genus Apistogramma
The genus Apistogramma was first described by Regan in 1913. The scientific name Apistogramma can be divided into two parts. “Apistos” means “unreliable” and “gramme” means “line”. In the first description it is not explained but it probably refers to the variably developed lateral line within this genus that often only consists of scales with pores.
The genus name Apistogramma is the replacement of his earlier description heterogramma from 1906. This name was already in use for a genus of butterflies. In this description he did describe the two lateral lines: “the upper running obliquely upwards to the spinous dorsal fin, from which, if complete, it is separated by not more than 1 series of scales for most of its course; posterior part of upper lateral line and the lower line sometimes wanting”
Number of Species
There are currently 93 valid species within the genus Apistogramma. This makes it one of the most species-rich genera within the cichlid family in America.
Largest and Smallest Species
The largest species within this genus is Apistogramma megaptera, which can reach a length of 8 centimeters. On the other hand, the smallest species is Apistogramma minima, which only grows to 4-6 centimeters in length. Due to their small size, they are considered to be Dwarf Cichlids.
Characteristics of the Genus
Apistogramma species are small cichlids that are distinguished by their striking color patterns and the presence of only three infraorbital and four dental pores. They are often calmer than other cichlids and can live well with other fish, as long as they are from a different genus. This genus is also known for its territorial behavior during the breeding season, which can lead to conflicts with other fish in the aquarium.
Infraorbital Pores and Dental Pores
The terms infraorbital pores and dental pores refer to specific anatomical features of fish, particularly cichlids such as Apistogramma species.
Infraorbital Pores
Infraorbital pores are small openings located below the fish’s eye. These pores are part of the lateral line system, which helps fish sense changes in water pressure and movements in their environment. This system is crucial for navigation and detecting prey or predators. Apistogramma species typically have three of these pores, which sets them apart from other fish species that may have more or fewer.
Dental Pores
Dental pores are also openings, but they are located near the fish’s mouth. They are involved in communication and detecting chemical signals in the water. The presence of four dental pores in Apistogramma species is a feature that helps them identify conspecifics and find food.
In short, infraorbital and dental pores are important anatomical structures that contribute to the sensory perception of fish. The specific numbers of these pores in Apistogramma species help with their identification and distinguish them from other cichlids.
Origin
The species of the genus Apistogramma are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of South America. Some species occur in somewhat larger areas, but many of the Apistogramma are found in a limited distribution area.
Apistogramma live in the Amazon River basin, Rio Orinoco, Rio Tocantins, Rio Araguaia, Rio Parnaiba and Rio de la Plata, among others. The countries where they live are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Diet
In the wild, Apistogramma forages for small invertebrates. Worms, insects, larvae, but also bits of algae. It is omnivorous and prefers small live food.
Breeding Apistogramma
Within the genus Apistogramma there are different methods of reproduction. Many species lay their eggs in holes or crevices. They do this between pieces of wood, branches or under leaves. Some species are truly monogamous, while others form a harem. Usually both parents care for the eggs and young, but usually the female fans and takes care of the eggs. The male Apistogramma guards the area and chases away predators.
Mouthbrooding species
Not all Apistogramma species lay their eggs in a hole. Three species are known to incubate the eggs in their mouths: Apistogramma barlowi, Apistogramma megastoma and Apistogramma pantalone.
Valid Species of Apistogramma
Below is an alphabetical list of the valid species within the genus Apistogramma and those that have not yet been included in the database. Below the list, with a photo, the species that have already been added.
– Apistogramma alacrina
– Apistogramma angayuara
– Apistogramma atahualpa
– Apistogramma brevis
– Apistogramma cacatuoides
– Apistogramma caudomaculata
– Apistogramma commbrae
– Apistogramma cruzi
– Apistogramma eleutheria
– Apistogramma elizabethae
– Apistogramma feconat
– Apistogramma flabellicauda
– Apistogramma flavipedunculata
– Apistogramma geisleri
– Apistogramma gibbiceps
– Apistogramma gossei
– Apistogramma hoignei
– Apistogramma inconspicua
– Apistogramma intermedia
– Apistogramma kullanderi
– Apistogramma lineata
– Apistogramma linkei
– Apistogramma luelingi
– Apistogramma martini
– Apistogramma meinkeni
– Apistogramma moae
– Apistogramma norberti
– Apistogramma nororientalis
– Apistogramma ortmanni
– Apistogramma panduro
– Apistogramma paucisquamis
– Apistogramma paulmuelleri
– Apistogramma pedunculata
– Apistogramma personata
– Apistogramma pertensis
– Apistogramma piaroa
– Apistogramma piauiensis
– Apistogramma playayacu
– Apistogramma pleurotaenia
– Apistogramma pulchra
– Apistogramma regani
– Apistogramma resticulosa
– Apistogramma rositae
– Apistogramma rubrolineata
– Apistogramma rupununi
– Apistogramma salpinction
– Apistogramma similis
– Apistogramma sororcula
– Apistogramma staecki
– Apistogramma taeniata
– Apistogramma tucurui
– Apistogramma uaupesi
– Apistogramma urteagai
– Apistogramma viejita
Showing 1–12 of 19 results
Showing 1–12 of 19 results