Apistogramma allpahuayo - trpasličí cichlidka

This cichlid was previously known under names such as Apistogramma sp. Black-Chin/Schwarzkinn, Apistogramma sp. Fanta, and Apistogramma sp. Pucallpa until it was scientifically described by Römer in 2012, thus ending the speculation about its name.

Apistogramma allpahuayo is found in the wild in the Rio Nanay basin in Peru. The type locality for these fish is small streams flowing into the Quebrada Allpahuayo in the Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo Mishana nature reserve, located in the rainforest south of Iquitos in the Loreto region.

Typical for this fish is that it is found in so-called blackwater. This is clear, transparent water with an amber coloration caused by tannins leached from decaying leaves and substrate. They inhabit both small streams with flowing water and still pools with muddy bottoms and a large amount of leaves.

The water in these locations is very soft and acidic. Conductivity ranges from 10-70 µS and pH from 4.5-6.

In the wild, these cichlids feed mainly on benthos, which they obtain by consuming large amounts of plant debris in which benthos is found. This "sieving" behavior is characteristic of most fish of the genus Apistogramma. In captivity, it is not suitable to feed these cichlids exclusively with insect larvae but to provide them with a large amount of fiber. Only then will they remain healthy. Males grow to about 7 cm and females to about 5 cm.

The males of this species are highly polygamous and, if given the opportunity, will breed with several females and do not directly care for the offspring. A major peculiarity of this species, and so far it has only been proven in Ap. allpahuayo, is that they can change sex if necessary, and the newly formed sex is fully functional.

I have witnessed this myself in my tank, where after the death of the male, a functional female, who had bred with the original male and exhibited physical and color traits of a female, became a male.

They are beautiful cichlids, and it's a shame they are disappearing from Czech breeding. To those who acquire them, I wish you success with them. 😊