Apistogramma nissenji - (No Online Purchases)

Apistogramma nissenji - (No Online Purchases)

Member of the South American Apistogramma family and a dwarf cichlid.

Description:
Apistogramma nissenji

Common name:

• Apistogramma nissenji

Fish Size:

• Grows to 7 cm

Temperature:

• 23 – 29 Deg C

Water pH:

• 5.5 – 7.2

Feeding:

• Accepts a wide range of commercial foods as well as dried and frozen foods like bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp.

Origin:

• Southern South America

Ideally a tank with a typical setup with driftwood and rocks - similar to a amazon biotype tank.

Panda Dwarf Cichlid
Nijsseni's Dwarf Cichlid
Scientific Name:

Apistogramma nijsseni
Origin and Habitat:

Native to Peru, specifically restricted local blackwater habitats in the Quebrada Carahuayte, a small stream in the Ucayali River drainage.
They inhabit slow-moving, shallow blackwater streams under dense forest canopies. The water is often stained dark with humic acids from decaying leaf litter, making it very soft and acidic.
The substrate in their natural environment is typically composed of leaf litter.

Size:

Males: Up to 8 cm (3.2 inches)
Females: Remain slightly smaller, typically around 6 cm (2.4 inches)
Aquarium Requirements:

Tank Size:
Minimum 60-70 liters (15-20 US gallons) for a single pair.
A 20-gallon long aquarium (which offers more floor space than a 20-gallon high) is excellent for a pair, especially if breeding is intended.
For multiple females with one male (a harem), or if keeping with other peaceful community fish, a larger tank (e.g., 80-100 liters / 20-25 gallons or more) is recommended to provide ample territories.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23−28 ∘C (73−82 ∘F) is generally recommended, with some sources suggesting up to 30 ∘C (86 ∘F).
pH: Very soft and acidic, ideally 5.0-6.8. Wild specimens thrive in pH as low as 4.0-5.5. Tank-raised individuals may tolerate slightly higher pH, but soft, acidic water is crucial for breeding.
Hardness (dH): Very soft, up to 8 dH (or 1-5 dH is often ideal).
Nitrates: Extremely sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. Regular, frequent partial water changes are essential for their well-being.
Filtration: Efficient filtration is vital to maintain pristine water quality. Sponge filters are often preferred, especially in breeding tanks, as they provide gentle flow and won't harm fry.
Substrate:A dark, fine sand substrate is highly recommended, as they enjoy sifting through it.
Aquascaping:
Heavily planted with plenty of hiding places and visual barriers.
Caves: Crucial for hiding, spawning, and establishing territories. Provide at least one cave per fish, using ceramic caves, flower pots on their side, or coconut shells with small openings.
Driftwood and Bogwood: Excellent for creating hiding spots, breaking up lines of sight, and leaching tannins that help create blackwater conditions and lower pH.
Leaf Litter: Adding Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) or other safe leaves is highly beneficial. They release tannins, darken the water, lower pH, and provide a natural foraging ground, mimicking their wild habitat.
Dim Lighting:They prefer dimly lit tanks. Floating plants can help diffuse overhead light, making them feel more secure.
Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential as they can jump.

Compatibility:Generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially when breeding.
Best kept as a single pair in smaller tanks, or one male with several females (harem) in larger aquaria, as females will establish individual territories.
Do not house with other Apistogramma species to avoid aggression and hybridization.
Good Tankmates: Other peaceful, non-aggressive species that occupy different parts of the water column. Examples include:
Small Tetras (e.g., Rummy-nose Tetras as dither fish, Cardinal Tetras)
Pencilfish
Hatchetfish
Corydoras catfish (e.g., pygmy species)
Small, peaceful suckermouth catfish (e.g., Bristlenose Plecos)
Avoid: Large, aggressive, or overly boisterous fish. Also, be aware that they are micropredators and may hunt dwarf shrimp or very small fry.
Diet:

Apistogramma nijsseni are carnivores/micropredators.
They thrive on a varied diet rich in protein.
Staple: High-quality sinking flakes or micro-pellets formulated for cichlids.
Supplement with:
Live Foods:Highly appreciated and beneficial for conditioning for breeding. Examples include baby brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, Grindal worms, and small insect larvae.
Frozen Foods: Excellent alternatives if live food isn't available. Examples include frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily to avoid overfeeding and maintain water quality. They tend to forage from the bottom rather than the surface.

Breeding: Moderately difficult but achievable in the home aquarium.
Conditions: Very soft and acidic water is paramount for successful breeding (e.g., pH 5.0-6.0, dH 0-4). RO water with peat filtration is often used.
Spawning Site: Provide each female with a suitable spawning site, typically a cave with a small entrance (flower pot, coconut shell, ceramic cave). Females often lay eggs on the ceiling of the cave.
Parental Care:The female will lay up to 60 eggs and guards them diligently inside the cave.
The male usually guards the general territory of the harem.
Watch the male carefully after spawning, as the female can become extremely aggressive towards him and he may need to be temporarily removed.
Eggs hatch in 2-3 days (depending on temperature).
The female continues to guard the wrigglers. After another 5 days, she will lead the free-swimming fry out of the cave. She will be very protective and pugnacious at this point.
Fry Care:Fry require frequent, small feedings of appropriately sized live foodstuffs:
Newly hatched brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) are ideal.
Microworms
Vinegar eels
If breeding in a community tank, feed other fish at the opposite end to reduce stress on the mother.
Remove fry from the parents (especially the female) after about 4 weeks or if the female shows signs of wanting to spawn again, as she may kill the previous batch of fry. A 10-gallon tank is suitable for raising fry initially.
Considerations for Experienced Aquarists:

Apistogramma nijsseni are sensitive to fluctuating water parameters and poor water quality. They are generally not recommended for beginners.
A well-matured aquarium with stable conditions is crucial.
Their bold nature means they will often be out in the open, displaying their fascinating behaviors, provided they feel secure in a well-decorated tank.
By providing the specific soft, acidic, blackwater conditions and plenty of hiding spots, Apistogramma nijsseni can be a captivating and rewarding addition to a dedicated dwarf cichlid aquarium.