Apistogramma

Apistogramma
Apistogramma nijsseni
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Subfamily:	Geophaginae
Genus:	Apistogramma Regan, 1913
Type species
Mesops taeniatus Günther, 1862
Synonyms
Heterogramma Regan, 1906 Pintoichthys Fowler, 1954

Apistogramma is a genus of approximately a hundred species of fish from the family Cichlidae. They are found east of the Andes in tropical and subtropical South America, ranging as far south as northern Argentina. The greatest species richness is in the Amazon Basin. Apistogramma literally means "irregular lateral line" referring to a common trait of the species under this taxon. Most species are strongly sexually dimorphic, with males generally larger (up to 7 to 9 cm) and differently coloured to females. But in a few species this pattern is reverse.

Breeding

Brood care is highly developed, as in most Cichlidae. Nearly all Apistogramma species spawn in caves, typically under rocks or in holes in sunken logs or branches. In the recently described species Apistogramma barlowi both females and (less frequent) males are mouthbrooding. A number of breeding strategies exist. Some species breed in polygamous harems, while other species form monogamous pairs. In most cases, regardless of the breeding strategy, the female is more highly involved with brood care, whilst the male defends a territory from predators. The sex of the fry is affected by the water conditions, with warmer and more acid water favoring more males.

Diet

All Apistogramma species are micropredators. Their main prey items consist of insect larvae, fry of other fishes and other invertebrates.

In the aquarium

Apistogramma species are popular aquarium residents, particularly in community or planted aquariums.

Species

There are currently 87 recognized species in this genus:

References

• "Apistogramma". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 6 June 2006.