Rio Negro

photo of Apistogramma agassizii Rio Mariera pair with fry

Apistogramma agassizii

Apistogramma agassizii (A 234 – A 243) is one of the best-known and most widely kept of all Apistogrammas. There are many different color forms/varieties in the wild and several colorful domestic strains are available. They are easy to care for and are usually great for a single-species or community aquarium.

photo of male Apistogramma uaupesi

Apistogramma cf. uaupesi

Apistogramma uaupesi (A 156) is a very attractive and rather demanding dwarf cichlid. They are found in very soft acid waters in the Rio Negro system and often require these conditions in the aquarium. A. uaupesi can be delicate and are recommended for experienced Apisto keepers.

ohoto of Apistogramma iniridae

Apistogramma iniridae

Apistogramma iniridae (A159 – A160) is a slender-bodied species found in the very soft acid waters of the upper Rio Negro and the upper Rio Orinoco drainages. They are generally peaceful in the aquarium but may require demanding water conditions for successful reproduction.

Photo of male Apistogramma gibbiceps showing abdominal bars and colors in caudal fin

Apistogramma gibbiceps

Apistogramma gibbiceps (A209) is a slender-bodied species from the Rio Negro in Brazil. They are not common in the American hobby, but they do appear from time to time. Males are larger and more colorful than females with large males reaching less than 3″ and females remaining smaller. They come from soft acid waters and …

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Photo of Ap[istogramma gephyra male

Apistogramma gephyra

Apistogramma gephyra (A231 – A233) is very similar to Apistogramma agassizii in both appearance and behavior. Several characteristics differentiate it from agassizii, especially its much rounder caudal fin (tail). While not regularly popular in North America it does occasionally appear on fish availability lists.

Photo of male and female pair of Apistogramma cf. pertensis in a heavily planted aquarium

Apistogramma cf. pertensis

Apistogramma cf. pertensis (A146 – A152) is a long and very slender species known for the very high dorsal fin some males develop. In some forms, individual males will have a sail-like dorsal fin that is truly impressive. However, the height of the dorsal fin can vary considerably between different collecting locations.

Apistogramma paucisquamis male Thanks to the Digital Fishroom for the use of this photo

Apistogramma paucisquamous

Apistogramma paucisquamis (A 219) is a highly variable species that is a member of the bitaeniata group of Apistogrammas. Found in the Rio Negro drainage, Apistogramma paucisquamis exhibits significant differences in coloration between individuals. Prior to its scientific description by Kullander and Staeck in 1988, this fish was known in the hobby as Apistogramma sp.

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