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Apistogramma Iniridae
Apistogramma iniridae
📍 South America
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.
Care Guide
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
Small, 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
Small invertebrates that occupy similar niche without competing
Common Diseases
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
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - small live and frozen foods
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 6.5 cm (2.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 4.5-6.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)