Spade Tailed Apisto fish Care information
Alternative Name
Agasizi's Apisto Scientific Name: Apistogramma agassizii
Basic Info
Males are beautifully colored, their bodies are typically blue, they have red and silver tails, and reddish-orange fins. Females are more drably colored, their bodies being brownish in color, with yellow/red fins and tail. They are classified as dwarf cichlids, usually not exceeding 4 inches in length.
Health
Spade Tailed Apistos can be picky eaters, but will grow to accept a variety of foods including: brine shrimp, bloodworms, tropical flakes, and micro worms. Spade Tailed Apistos will do well in a twenty gallon aquarium with an average pH of 6.6-6.8 , temperatures should be between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Spade Tailed Apistos prefer soft water. Driftwood makes a great addition to their tank to soften the water and provide hiding places, peat moss can also be used to soften the water. Breeding Spade Tailed Apistos are typically harem breeders, with one male presiding over several females. When breeding the female turns a yellow color, and will be chased around by the male. Several days later the female will lay eggs on a pre-cleaned flat surface (usually a rock), where she will guard them and chase off any fish that come near (including the male). The eggs take anywhere from 2 to 7 days to hatch dependent on the temperature.
Habitat
Fresh water fish
Spade Tailed Apisto Foods
N/A
Spade Tailed Apisto Behavior
Unlike most cichlids the Spade Tailed Apisto is not usually aggressive to other fish. The Spade Tailed Apisto is a wonderful addition to any community tank due to its striking colors and entertaining behavior. Spade Tailed Apistos are members of the cichlid family, but do not possess the aggressiveness that is characteristic of most cichlids. Spade Tailed Apistos are timid fish, which will do well in a community tank, often housed alongside danios, guppies and tetras.
Origin
South America
History
Spade Tailed Apistos are relatively expensive at the moment, due in part to the demand for these beautiful fish.