Steindachner's dwarf cichlid - Apistogramma steindachneri

Steindachner's dwarf cichlid is scientifically also called Apistogramma steindachneri and originates from South America, where it occurs in drainage canals. The substrate here is loamy and carries a lot of foliage, the water is accordingly acidic. It is also counted among the dwarf cichlids and reaches about 9 cm in size.

Your new co-inhabitant has a stretched and compressed physique with a blunt but massive head. Its base color is yellowish to light brown, the ventral side is rather light. Patterning on the gill covers may vary depending on where it is found. It carries a black lateral band and has a black spot on the caudal fin root, and another high band runs across the eye.

Maintain these perch in a 100 cm or larger aquarium and structure it well with roots, caves and rock structures. A blackwater aquarium is especially recommended, as they prefer quite acidic water values. As substrate you can use fine gravel or sand. Plant the tank very densely in places, so that your animals can withdraw. Keep the aquarium rather shady, which you can achieve with dim lighting but also floating plants. Because they need a very high oxygen level, filter the aquarium well and use aerators if necessary. In no case you should neglect the water hygiene, because your fish react sensitively to nitrate and nitrite in the water, also they do not tolerate medicines well.

Your dwarf cichlids can also be socialized well with other fish, peaceful tetras are suitable, but also other species that get along with their water parameters. However, it is better to avoid invertebrates, as shrimps could spice up their diet, and crayfish could catch and injure them, as your animals stay close to the bottom.

Breeding is possible in the aquarium. For this purpose it is best to use coconut caves or clay pots, in which the female lays her eggs and also defends the clutch. After about 3 days the first young hatch and can be fed with rotifers and nauplii after swimming free.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a prime staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, perfectly meeting their dietary requirements. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.