Apistogramma ortmanni

***Note:  Although I have never kept A. ortmanni  I put up this page for those who contact me asking for info about this species.

     Apistogramma ortmanni (A46 - A49)  is a regani group species that raises many questions and provides few answers. (information about A numbers and Apistogramma groups is here).  Apistogramma ortmanni was first described in 1912 but was never correctly identified in the hobby. All of the early information and photos of A. ortmanni actually refers to an Apistogramma steindachneri group fish that was commonly believed to be A. ortmanni. Still today, in the American hobby, almost every fish sold as Apistogramma ortmanni is actually A. steindachneri.

     In 1985 the first photos of true Apistogramma ortmanni were published in Germany and since that time there has been better info available about this regani group fish. However, Various different forms are found across their range which includes parts of Venezuela, Suriname and Guyana. There is still a lot of confusion surrounding the various populations of this fish with at least four recognized forms. All are relatively subdued in coloration and do not have elaborate finage. Most of the fish in the regani group are similar in appearance and there remains a lot of work to be done to determine the exact relationships between all of the fishes of this group..

    In terms of aquarium care treat them like any Apisto. give them good water, good food and good habitat and they should thrive. They shouldn't be too demanding of water conditions fairly soft slightly acid water should be fine. In nature they are found in a variety of water types ranging from full black water conditions to moderate conditions. If it is possible to identify the collection location try to do so as the true blackwater forms might require those conditions in the aquarium.

    Apistogramma. ortmanni are not common in the hobby as they lack many of the spectacular colors and shapes of other Apistogrammas. This creates less demand as most hobbyists seek the more colorful species. However, they should be a great fish with interesting behaviors. I have found that all Apistos have their own charm and I think this would be an interesting fish to keep.