Elizabeth's Apistogramma - Apistogramma elizabethae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Elizabeth's Apistogramma (Apistogramma elizabethae) is a striking and ornate cichlid species native to the vibrant aquatic environments of South America. This species is highly regarded for its complex colouration and fascinating behaviours, making it a subject of keen interest for both enthusiasts and aquarists. Known for their territorial nature and unique social interactions, Elizabeth's Apistogrammas add a dynamic and engaging element to freshwater aquariums.
While generally peaceful, Elizabeth's Apistogrammas may exhibit increased territorial behaviour during breeding periods. For optimal care, it's advisable to either house a solitary pair or, in larger aquariums, one male with several females, creating a harem-like structure. Female Apistogrammas actively establish individual territories, emphasizing the need for an aquarium layout rich in visual barriers. When selecting tankmates, choices such as Corydoras Catfish, Hatchetfish, Pencilfish, small Tetras, and Plecos are appropriate.
Setting up an aquarium for Elizabeth's Apistogrammas requires specific considerations. The water should be soft, acidic, and biologically mature. The ideal habitat includes a dark substrate, dense vegetation, and numerous hiding spots created with rocks, driftwood, and coconut shells.
Floating plants can effectively diffuse light, while peat-based filtration and the addition of dried Indian Almond Leaves help achieve the desired water conditions.
A securely fitted lid is essential due to the species' tendency to jump. The filtration system should balance efficiency with gentle water flow. Regular partial water changes are critical for maintaining low nitrate levels, as these fish are sensitive to high nitrate concentrations.
Elizabeth's Apistogrammas display a variety of colour forms influenced by their geographic origin. Males typically have a blue-grey base colour with vivid blue markings on the dorsal fin and ventral area. Their body shape is slender, similar to the Agassizii, with a spade-shaped tail and elongated rays on the dorsal fin. From the lower jaw to the anal fin, males exhibit a bright orange-yellow hue, which intensifies during courting and parental care.
Females usually have an olive colour, but they transform into a brilliant yellow with distinct black spots on their sides when involved in courtship and caring for the young. This dramatic colour shift during reproductive phases is not only visually striking but also indicative of their complex behavioural patterns.
Elizabeth's Apistogramma Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the sex of Elizabeth's Apistogrammas is a clear and manageable task, thanks to their pronounced sexual dimorphism. Male specimens are easily recognizable by their larger size and more vivid colouration compared to females.
Males are characterized by their extended front rays in the dorsal fin, sizeable and striking ventral fins, and a caudal fin that typically has a rounded shape. On the other hand, female Elizabeth's Apistogrammas are smaller in size and exhibit more muted colouration. They often display a soft yellow tone or a less vibrant colour palette and are distinguished by their more rounded fin shapes.
Interestingly, females undergo a noticeable colour transformation during breeding periods, shifting to a significantly brighter yellow. This change in appearance during breeding is a stark contrast to their more subdued colouration when not breeding and is a fascinating aspect of their reproductive behaviour.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Apistogramma elizabethae |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1980 |
| Other Names | Elizabeth's Red Dwarf Cichlid |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Apistogramma |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | 1 Male + Several Females |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 4.0 - 6.0 |
| GH | 2 - 8 |
| ℉ | 72 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 29 |
Natural Habitat
Elizabeth's Apistogrammas are native to the Upper Rio Negro near Sao Gabriel do Cachoeira and the Rio Uaupes in Brazil, South America. This species thrives in the gentle currents of slow-moving streams characterized by soft, highly acidic water conditions.
The natural habitat of these Apistos is primarily defined by a substrate rich in accumulated leaf litter, which plays a crucial role in their ecological niche. This leaf litter not only provides a natural food source but also creates an environment conducive to their breeding and foraging behaviours. The specific environmental conditions of their habitats in the Upper Rio Negro and Rio Uaupes are integral to the survival and well-being of Elizabeth's Apistogrammas.
Breeding
Elizabeth's Apistogrammas engage in a substrate-spawning mode of reproduction, where eggs are carefully laid in crevices or sheltered spots within the aquarium décor. Mature males of this species establish and defend territories, often displaying aggressive behaviours towards other males. However, they are generally more tolerant of the presence of multiple females within their domain.
Following the spawning process, males typically take on the role of defending a larger territory, simultaneously courting other potential female mates. On the other hand, the female dedicates herself to the meticulous care of the eggs and, later, the newly hatched fry. She vigilantly guards and tends to the eggs, ensuring their safety and proper development.
The incubation period for the eggs varies depending on the water temperature but generally ranges from 36 to 72 hours. After this period, the eggs hatch, and the fry soon transition to a free-swimming stage. This stage usually occurs a few days post-hatching, marking a critical phase in the developmental cycle of the fry. During this time, the attentive care of the female continues to be pivotal for the survival and growth of the young Apistogrammas.
Diet & Feeding
Elizabeth's Apistogrammas demonstrate versatile feeding habits, indicative of their omnivorous nature. In the wild, their diet is broad and includes algae, organic detritus, and a range of small invertebrates like insects, worms, and crustaceans. This varied diet reflects their adaptability and ability to utilize diverse food sources in their natural habitat.
In aquarium settings, Elizabeth's Apistogrammas are known for their capacity to adapt to commercially available foods. They can be fed high-quality flake foods, pellets, and granules designed for tropical fish. However, to more closely align with their natural dietary patterns, it is beneficial to include live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia in their diet. Providing a diet that mirrors the variety found in their natural environment is essential for maintaining their health and well-being.
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