Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid - Apistogramma eunotus Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma eunotus) is a captivating species of Dwarf Cichlid that is rarely seen available in the hobby as they are challenging to collect and source. This species is renowned for its vibrant colours and complex behaviours. The Apistogramma eunotus is distinguishable by its delicate yet vivid colouration, enhancing its appeal in nature and captivity. They are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts due to their manageable size and intriguing social and reproductive behaviours, making them a fascinating subject for detailed observation and study.
Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlids are generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behaviour. Housing one male with multiple females in a harem setup is effective for managing a group, though ample visual barriers are necessary to enable each female to establish her territory. Suitable tank mates include Corydoras Catfish, small Tetras, Hatchetfish, Pencilfish, and Suckermouth Catfish. Avoiding small aquariums, large, aggressive fish, and cohabitation with other Apistogramma species is advisable.
Ideal conditions for these Cichlids include soft, acidic water, a dark substrate, and dense vegetation, supplemented with numerous hiding spots created using rocks and driftwood. Floating plants can also be added to dim the lighting, enhancing the habitat. Blue Panda Apistos are sensitive to high nitrate levels; thus, maintaining low nitrate concentrations is crucial. This can be achieved through the use of dried Indian Almond Leaves, peat filtration, effective water filtration with gentle flow, and regular water changes. A tight-fitting lid is essential since these fish are known jumpers.
The coloration of Blue-Cheek Dwarf Cichlids varies with their geographical origins. Males typically display colours ranging from blue to yellow, prominently featuring a bright blue spot on their cheek. Their caudal fins are usually pale yellow.
Availability
The Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid isn't avilable any of our marketplace shops, want to be the first to offer it?.
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlids is relatively straightforward. Males are typically larger and exhibit more vibrant coloration and longer fins compared to females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Apistogramma eunotus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1981 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cichliformes |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Genus | Apistogramma |
| Origins | Peru Brazil |
| Approx Max Size | 5.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - 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 | 5.5 - 7.0 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| TDS | 0 - 90 |
| ℉ | 73 - 84 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 29 |
Natural Habitat
The Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid is native to the Río Ucayali near Pucallpa in central Peru and is also found extensively in the tributaries of this system, extending into the Amazon basin extending eastward to the Japurá drainage in Brazil. This species has been documented in various locations, including the Itaya, Samiria, Ampiyacu, and Yavarí basins. The Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid typically resides in slow-moving streams, creeks, tributaries, and smaller rivers, adapting well to these tranquil aquatic environments.
Breeding
Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlids are substrate spawners known for their selective pairing when mature. To facilitate successful breeding, it is advisable to start with a group of juveniles and allow them to naturally select their mates as they mature. Creating an ideal breeding habitat involves setting up an aquarium with ample lighting, sandy substrates, rocks, caves, and live plants. Conditioning the breeding pair with a varied diet of live, frozen, meaty, and flake food can also enhance their readiness to spawn.
These Apistos deposit their eggs in the sheltered nooks among the aquarium decor. Post-spawning, the female predominantly cares for the eggs and fry. In smaller tanks, removing the male if he shows aggression toward the offspring may be necessary. Eggs generally hatch within 2 to 3 days, depending on the temperature, and the fry becomes free-swimming about a week later.
Brood sizes for Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlids are relatively modest, usually producing between 50 to 60 fry per spawning. These young fish are well-suited to feeding on newly hatched brine shrimp. The fry demonstrates significant growth rates with consistent feeding of nutritious food and maintaining excellent water quality. In optimal conditions, sexual maturity can typically be identified by the age of 4 months.
Diet & Feeding
The Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid exhibits a carnivorous diet, primarily consuming a variety of small invertebrates and zooplankton in its natural habitat. In the wild, these fish adeptly forage among the substrate and vegetation, picking off small crustaceans, worms, and insect larvae. In captivity, they thrive on a diet that mimics this natural feeding behaviour, benefiting from a mix of high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. For optimal health and colouration, their diet can be supplemented with specialized pellets or flakes designed for small cichlids. Regular feeding of a diverse range of appropriately sized foods ensures balanced nutrition and encourages the natural foraging behaviours characteristic of this species.
Other Apistogramma
Published: 09 May 2024
Last Updated: 09 May 2024