If you've actually scrolled through little cichlid forums, you've probably seen pictures of the apistogramma abacaxis plus wondered if that purple chin is actually real. It nearly looks like someone took a paintbrush towards the fish's tonsils. Often referred to by hobbyists because "Apistogramma sp. Wilhelmi, " this particular types is a little bit of a legend within the blackwater aquarium tank scene. It's not really the easiest fish to find with your local family pet store, and it's certainly not the simplest to keep if you're used in order to basic tap water setups, but man, is it worth the effort.
The name "abacaxis" actually indicates "pineapple" in Portuguese, which refers in order to the Rio Abacaxis in Brazil exactly where these beauties are usually found. While the particular "pineapple" name might make you believe of bright yellow fruits, the standout function for most individuals is that deep, moody purple patch upon the males. It's a looker, regarding sure, but prior to you go hunting intended for a pair, there's a lot to talk about when it comes to keeping them joyful and healthy.
Why Everyone Is definitely Enthusiastic about Them
The appeal of the apistogramma abacaxis usually starts with that color. In the entire world of dwarf cichlids, you see the lot of blues, oranges, and yellows. But that extreme violet-purple throat for the male? That's rare. When a male is displaying—maybe he's seeking to impress a female or informing a rival to back off—that crimson becomes incredibly radiant.
Further than the colors, they will have a lot of personality. Such as most Apistos, these people aren't just swimming decorations; they're smart. They'll watch a person through the cup, recognize who passes them, and invest their day meticulously "sifting" through the particular sand or protecting their favorite small cave. They possess that classic cichlid attitude packed directly into a tiny, three-inch body. It's hard not to obtain attached to them.
The Reality of Their Drinking water Requirements
Let's get the tough stuff out associated with the way very first. You can't simply toss an apistogramma abacaxis in to a standard local community tank with tough, alkaline water and expect it to thrive. They are genuine blackwater fish. In the Rio Abacaxis, the water is usually basically the color of strong tea plus incredibly soft.
If you want to see them at their particular best—and honestly, if you would like them to live a lengthy life—you're heading to need to look into Reverse Osmosis (RO) water. They need a low ph level, often sitting somewhere between 4. 0 and 6. 0. If your ph level starts creeping up toward 7. 0, they could survive, yet they'll lose that will spark. Their colors will fade, these people won't want to breed, and their immune systems can take a hit. This might sound like a lot of work, but once you obtain a routine lower with botanicals like catappa leaves and alder cones, it becomes second character.
Establishing the Perfect Home
When you're developing a tank with regard to apistogramma abacaxis , believe "clutter. " These types of fish don't like wide-open spaces. In the wild, they reside among fallen divisions, leaf litter, plus tangled roots. When they feel exposed, they're going to spend all their time hiding, and you'll never ever see those awesome behaviors.
Base Choices
Stick with sand. Seriously. These guys are earth-eaters by character. They love to pick up the mouthful of sand, sift through this for micro-organisms, and spit it back again out through their gills. If you are using big gravel, you're stripping them of just one of their most organic behaviors. Plus, fine sand stays cleaner upon the surface, which helps keep the bacterial count low—something these fish are usually very sensitive in order to.
Hiding Places and Caves
You'll want plenty of small caves. Half-coconut shells along with tiny entrance holes are a classic choice. In the breeding scenario, the female needs a spot where she feels totally protected. Also, don't become afraid to proceed heavy on the particular driftwood. Stacking wood creates "line-of-sight" pauses. This is massive if you have got a pair that's bickering. If the particular female can get out of the particular male's view with regard to a minute, it lowers the stress degree for everyone involved.
What's around the Menu?
Feeding apistogramma abacaxis can be a bit of a trial-and-error process with first. Most wild-caught specimens won't actually look at a flake or a pellet. Even captive-bred ones can end up being picky. To get that will purple chin looking its best, you really should end up being leaning toward frosty or live foods.
Baby brine shrimp, daphnia, plus bloodworms are generally hits. If you possibly can obtain your hands on live blackworms, you'll be their leading man. Just be careful with overfeeding. As they are small, it's simple to foul the drinking water, and since we already established they need pristine conditions, you don't want a bunch associated with rotting food sitting in the sand. I usually attempt to offer small amounts two times a day rather than one large dump of foods.
Temperament plus Tank Mates
Despite being "dwarf" cichlids, they are nevertheless cichlids. A males apistogramma abacaxis can be a slight grump, especially toward other males or similar-looking fish. In the event that you're keeping these questions smaller tank (like a 20-gallon long), it's best to stick to an individual pair or possibly the harem when the impact is large plenty of.
As for neighbors, you want "dither fish. " They are small, schooling fish that swim within the upper levels associated with the tank. When the Apistos notice tetras or pencilfish swimming around calmly, it signals to them that there are no predators nearby, and they'll come out of their caves more frequently.
Great choices include: * Nannostomus (Pencilfish) * Small tetras such as Neons or Ember Tetras * Hatchetfish (just make sure you have a tight cover! )
Prevent anything too boisterous or aggressive. You don't want the school of hyperactive fish stealing most the food prior to it even basins to the underside where the Apistos choose to eat.
The Challenge of Breeding
Breeding apistogramma abacaxis is type of the "final boss" for several dwarf cichlid followers. It's not only regarding getting these to put eggs; it's about the water quality required for all those eggs to in fact hatch. If the drinking water isn't soft plenty of or the pH is too higher, the egg membranes can harden, and the fry won't be able in order to bust out.
Whenever they do spawn, the female may be the one in charge. She'll turn the bright, vibrant yellow—another good reason that the "pineapple" name fits—and she will defend that cave like the girl life depends upon this. She'll even pursue the male away. It's incredible to watch a small female hold the girl ground against a much larger man. If the fry hatch, you'll need the smallest meals possible, like infusoria or vinegar eels, before they're huge enough for newly hatched brine shrimp.
Common Stumbling blocks to Avoid
The biggest mistake people make along with apistogramma abacaxis is rushing the process. You can't set up a tank on Tuesday and put these types of fish in on Friday. They need a "seasoned" container. This doesn't simply mean a cycled filter; it indicates a tank where the ecosystem has settled, the particular wood has stopped leaching massive quantities of initial fungi, and the bacterial levels are steady.
Another factor is temperature. People often keep their own tanks far too very hot or too cold. Striving for around 77-79°F (25-26°C) is usually the sweet place. In case you go too high, you rate up their as well as shorten their lifespan. Too low, and they become sluggish and prone to illnesses like Ich or velvet.
Last Thoughts on the particular Pineapple Apisto
Keeping apistogramma abacaxis is definitely a commitment. It's not a "set it and forget it" kind of fish. You'll spend time testing water, boiling leaves, and hunting down live food. But the first time you see that male flare his fins and show off that amazing purple throat, you'll get why people are so obsessed along with them.
These people offer a glance into an extremely specific, beautiful area of the Amazon. If you're willing to play by way of a rules plus give them the soft, acidic drinking water they crave, they'll reward you by being the nearly all interesting and spectacular residents in your fishroom. Remember: keep the water smooth, the caves a lot, and the fine sand clean, and you'll do just fine with these types of purple-chinned gems.