Details of all species referred to in these Fish Care Sheets can be found in the FBAS Booklet No 6 - National Show Fish Sizes. Click HERE for information.

                                Dwarf Cichlids                    01/03/2002

Species: Apistogramma, Mikrogeophagus, Nannacara, Nanochromis,
             Pelvicachromis

Family: Cichlidae

Geographic Origin: South America (many from Brazil), Central and
                             West Africa

Common Names: Cockatoo Cichlid, Rams, Bolivian Rams, Kribensis etc.

Compatibility: Providing they have enough tank space to set up their own
                      territory, they will live quite happily with one another.

Minimum Aquarium Size: One pair of Apistogramma will be fine in a
                                     450mm x 250mm x 250mm (18 x 10 x 10) aquarium,
                                      particularly if you are attempting to breed them.
                                      A 900mm x 380mm x 300mm (36 x 15 x 12) tank
                                     will hold several pairs of fish.

Temperature: 23^o/28^oC 73^o/82^oF, there is some fluctuation in nature.

Habitat: Fine gravel/coarse sand. Rockwork to provide hiding places.
             Terracotta flowerpots are ideal (ensure drainage hole is enlarged).

Water Parameters: Ideally, these fish prefer soft acid water but over a
                             period of time, can be changed over to neutral hard water.
                             Water should be filtered. Small weekly water changes.

Health: May have problems with White Spot. This can be treated with
            a proprietary compound.

Diet: Prefer live or frozen foods. Daphnia, Mosquito larvae are readily
          accepted. May accept dried foods.

Plants: May re-arrange the tank to suit themselves, in which case, the plants
           will be uprooted. Use plants attached to rockwork.

Breeding Notes : Secretive, egg-depositors typically using caves (or
                          flowerpots) in which to spawn.

Availability: A number of species are readily available.

Show Class: FBAS Show Class Db

© FBAS 2002. PWC/RDE                             Fish Care Sheet 11 1/1

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