We recently received a shipment of Apistogramma from Colombia; the fish originate from the Rio Inirida. They were shipped as “Apistogramma Bluthkehl ( = blood-throated)“. This is a term used to describe a color variant of Apistogramma uaupesi, a species not found in the Rio Inirida. Upon closer inspection, we were able to reliably distinguish two species. One species, whose males exhibit a two-lobed caudal fin, a cockatoo-like lobed anterior dorsal fin, and a pronounced subocular stripe; and another species, whose males have a smooth-edged caudal and dorsal fin and no subocular stripe whatsoever. The first species is definitely Apistogramma megaptera, which was formerly known in the hobby as the “Apistogramma Breitbinden ( = broad banded)” due to its broad subocular stripe; the other species is A. iniridae (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/apistogramma-iniridae-2/.
While the males of the two species can be easily distinguished, this is considerably more difficult with the females. Fortunately, the females of A. megaptera also exhibit a subocular stripe, although it is much less pronounced than in the males. A very striking feature—and one that is rare within the genus Apistogramma—is the double shoulder spot that individuals of A. megaptera may display.
The scientific description of A. megaptera was based on the Rio Inirida population. In males of this species, the long, pointed extensions of the fin membranes are found only in the front part of the dorsal fin, whereas in male specimens from other parts of Colombia, all fin membranes in the hard-rayed portion of the dorsal fin are elongated (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/25d-perchlike-fishes-4-south-american-dwarf-cichlids/apistogramma_megaptera_en/).
Maximum size: Males approx. 6 cm, females approx. 4 cm; Temperature: 26–30°C; pH and hardness: not important for general care (tap water), soft and acidic for breeding; Diet: Omnivorous; Important: Fine sand as substrate. Social behavior: relatively peaceful cichlid with a social hierarchy; cave breeder.
For our customers: these fish are listed under code 624653 on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesale customers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
