The Redline Apistogramma (Apistogramma hongsloi) is known to be a very peaceful dwarf cichlid and suitable for community tanks, although it stands out even for its ability to live in small environments and in the company of others of its species.
In nature, they are found in the Vichada and Meta rivers basins
in Colombia, as well as the Orinoco river basin in Venezuela. The species inhabits dark, slow-flowing waters, where in the substrate there is usually a lot of decomposing organic matter, in addition to submerged trunks and roots.
The Redline Apistogramma has a torpedo-shaped body and is quite thin when viewed from the front or from above. The male’s body is silvery gray with a small horizontal gray stripe that zigzags along the spine, from behind the eye to the end of the tail fin. The head, and even the gill plates, are marbled, with a combination of black and reddish-pink.
Females, in turn, have yellowish and pale tones, but exhibit a much more vivid yellow during spawning times. Additionally, they have a distinctive grayish black band that runs from the eye to the base of the gill plates and a black line that runs along the body to the edge of the caudal peduncle.
Continue reading this post to learn about the main characteristics and needs of the species.
Technical Details
Name: Redline Apistogramma, Hongslo’s Dwarf Cichlid;
Scientific Name: Apistogramma hongsloi (Kullander, 1979);
Family: Cichlidae;
Species Origin: South America (Orinoco River Basin, Vichada and Meta River drainages in Colombia);
Length: Male: Up to 1,3 inches; Female: Up to 1,96 inches;
Life Span: 5 years or more;
Care Level: Easy / Moderate;
Water Parameters
pH: Maintain the pH of the water between 5.5 – 6.0;
Water Hardness: Between 1° – 6°dH;
Temperature: Must be kept between 23°C – 30°C;
Care
Food
Omnivorous. In nature, Redline Apistogramma is basically carnivorous, that is, it feeds on a huge variety of invertebrates. In fish tanks, they will accept a diet consisting of live, frozen and dry foods.
Regarding live or frozen foods, you can supply, for example, brine shrimp, bloodworms, tubifex and daphnia.
These fish prefer to stay close to the bottom of the tank, scouring the substrate for food.
Temperament / Behavior
The Redline Apistogramma is considered a fairly peaceful fish, but it can become a bit territorial during the breeding season. So if you’re thinking of keeping these fish in community tanks, make sure you have plenty of decorations to create breaks in your lines of sight.
You can easily create a couple of the species or a harem composed of a male and several females. But remember to provide an tank of adequate size for all of them, as females tend to choose individual territories and need visual barriers to be less aggressive.
This species of dwarf cichlid usually inhabits the bottom and middle region of the fish tank.
Tank Mates
You can add Apistogramma Redline with many other small and peaceful fishes. Some good tank mates include, for example, danios, tetras, guppies, other dwarf cichlids, catfish and kuhli Loach.
However, you should avoid keeping them with larger, more aggressive species in small tanks. Also, avoid keeping these fish with different species of apistogrammas in the same aquarium.
Breeding / Mating
Distinguishing the male from the female is quite easy, as the male is usually larger than the female and usually develops large and pointed fins. Other than that, males also have much more vibrant colors than females. In contrast, they are smaller and acquire a bright yellow color with black fins when they are in breeding condition.
You can successfully breed this species in home fish tanks; however, it may not be a very easy task. The water will need to be very soft and acidic, and the temperature should be raised to the upper end of the species’ preferred range.
You should have an tank with lots of caves so the females can have spawning grounds. This species of Apistogramma usually lays its eggs on the underside of broadleaf plants. A single female can lay up to 40 – 60 eggs. When she lays her eggs, the male swims over them and fertilizes them. However, the couple will repeat this process until she has laid all the eggs.
The female will protect the eggs while the male will defend the territory around her.
See Also:
The eggs usually hatch in up to four days, depending on the water temperature. The female will continue to protect the fry and then take them out of hiding, but remember that she will be very aggressive at this stage, fending off any potential predators.
The female of this species is an excellent mother and will not attack her own fry, however, if she is stressed, she may end up consuming her eggs, even more so if it’s her first litter. If you have these animals in a very small tanks, you will need to remove the male as soon as the eggs are laid, as the female can become very aggressive.
Newly hatched fingerlings feed on their yolk sacs and remain dormant. But as they grow and become free swimmers, you will be able to provide them with infusoria, brine shrimp, and microworms. Then, when they are big enough not to be seen as a snack, you can introduce them to the community tank.
Fish Tank Size
The ideal tanks needs to have at least 10 gallons for a couple of this species.
The Redline Apistogramma is not a fussy fish when it comes to decoration, but you should create some hiding places to make them feel safer.
Then, add clay pots, pipes and other artificial materials to create some caves. If you are more skilled, you can use rocks, roots, as well as logs and plants to create the ideal environment for this species.
Add a few almond leaves to the tank to give the water a tea-colored appearance and allow beneficial microbial colonies to grow.
It’s recommended that you don’t add a very powerful light fixture and create low maintenance plants.
Finally, regarding the water flow, it shouldn’t be strong and you should avoid doing large partial water changes. Try to do 10 – 15% water changes every week.
References
Kullander, S.O., 2003. Cichlidae (Cichlids). p. 605-654. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brasil. (Ref. 36377)
