Alto Tapiche Apistogramma
Alto Tapiche Apistogramma
Alto Tapiche Apistogramma (Apistogramma sp. "Alto Tapiche") is a little-known dwarf cichlid collected from the upper Rio Tapiche, a blackwater tributary of the Ucayali in northeastern Peru. Males show warm yellow to orange tones, blue sheen on the face and body, and colorful, extended fins, while females are smaller and turn bright yellow with black markings when guarding fry. It is rarely available and a great choice for Apistogramma collectors.
Keep as a pair or one male with two or three females in a planted tank with leaf litter, driftwood, and small caves or coconut shells for spawning. Soft, slightly acidic water and tannin-stained conditions bring out their best color and behavior.
Females lay eggs inside a cave and guard them, then lead the free-swimming fry around the tank. Good tankmates are small, peaceful dither fish such as Pencilfish, small tetras, and Otocinclus. Avoid other bottom-dwelling cichlids in small tanks.
Feeding & Care Tip: Feed Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp, Hikari Frozen Daphnia, and Hikari Frozen Bloodworms along with a fine flake such as Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes. Frozen foods bring out the best male color.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful, territorial when breeding |
| Adult Size | Males ~3 in (7–8 cm), females smaller |
| Group Size | Pair or 1 male : 2–3 females |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallons long |
| Ideal Temperature | 76–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 5.0–6.8 |
| Ideal GH | 1–8 dGH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, Bloodworms |
| Origin | Upper Rio Tapiche, Peru |
| Notes | Rare import. Cave spawner — female guards fry. Leaf litter and soft water recommended. |
