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Apistogramma Iniridae
Apistogramma iniridae
Also known as Iniridae Apisto
Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Cichlidae
Apistogramma iniridae is a small, colorful dwarf cichlid native to South American blackwater streams. This peaceful species displays beautiful iridescent markings and is ideal for planted nano aquariums. Males are more vibrant than females and exhibit interesting behavioral displays.
Where it's from
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins
Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela
At a glance
- Size
- 2.5 in
- 6 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal
- 76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 4.5-6.5
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Feed small carnivorous foods including micro pellets, frozen daphnia, and live microworms. Offer food 1-2 times daily in small portions. Apistogramma iniridae prefer live foods and may be reluctant to accept dry foods initially.
Behavior
This species is a bottom-dweller that spends time exploring substrate and plants. Males are territorial but not aggressive toward other peaceful species. They exhibit interesting courtship displays and may spawn in established tanks with proper conditions.
Breeding
Breeding is moderately difficult and requires soft, acidic water (pH 4.5-5.5) and temperatures around 26-28°C. Pairs will establish territories and lay eggs on cave surfaces or plant leaves. Remove fry to a separate rearing tank once free-swimming.
Tank mates
See all 6Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy upper water column
Compatible size and temperament, prefers similar soft acidic water
Peaceful bottom dweller that helps with algae control
Foreground plant that provides cover and natural habitat
Low-light plant that creates shelter and spawning sites
Member photos
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bloat (Malawi Bloat), Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure proper tank maintenance
Bloat (Malawi Bloat)
Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, pale coloration
Feed high-quality varied diet, perform water changes, fast fish for 1-2 days; use antibiotic treatment if bacterial infection suspected
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, lethargy
Increase temperature to 28-30°C, reduce light exposure, use copper-free velvet medication; perform daily water changes
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Lista Roja de la Fauna Venezolana 2015 (CC BY 4.0); Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 2.5 in6 cm
- Min tank
- 20 gal76 L
- Temp
- 75–82°F24–28°C
- pH
- 4.5-6.5
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3-5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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