NEWS113
30
Maleof theGoldenDwarf Cichlid,
Nannacaraanomala.
Pair of thegolden cultivated formof theSouthAmericanButterflyDwarf Cichlid,maleabove.
Maleof
Apistogrammaatahualpa
Nannacara, Ivanacara, Laetacara
and
Mikrogeophagus
are open brooders (i.e.
they spawnon rocks,wood,etc)withapair
bond; both parents tend and guard the
offspring together and share in their
defence. Hence these species are kept in
pairs.
Biotoecus
males construct large
conical sand-castles and spawn in a pit on
the top.
Biotoecus
arealsobestkept inpairs
orwitha surplusof females.
All South American dwarf cichlids are
bottom-oriented fishes.Hence if tankmates
aredesired then thesewill ideallybe fishes
that live in theopenwater columnor close
to the surface. South American dwarf
cichlids are usually tolerant towards other
types of fishes and can also look after
themselves
against
larger
(but
unaggressive!) species.
Lifeexpectancy
Butterfly dwarf cichlids (
Mikrogeophagus
)
are short-lived fishes that usually live no
longerthanayear.Theotherspeciesstartto
show their age after about three years of
life. It is probable that none of the species
lives longer thanayear in thewild.
Size
Initially South American dwarf cichlids
grow quickly and are usually sexually
mature after six months at the latest. At
this point they will be 1/3 to 1/2
(dependingonenvironmental conditions)
of their potential eventual size. Like all
fishes,SouthAmericandwarf cichlidsmay
continue growing throughout their lives.
In all species males grow larger than
females. Nospeciesgrows longer than10
cm, and the vast majority remain
considerably smaller all their lives.
Special details
Because of the large number of species
and the lack of recognised common
names, it is important tomake a note of
the scientific name(s) of the species you
buy, so that you don't make mistakes
regarding their temperature require-
ments.Pleasenote thescientificname,the
optimal temperature range, the ideal pH
value, and the recommended tank size
given on the relevant label on the sales
aquarium.
Crenicarapunctularia
