Apistogramma iniridae questions

[apisto-nut]

I picked up 5 of these guys a while back

questions ;

1. Is it typical for them to have red lips ?
2. Is there a way to tell female and males apart ?
3. water conditions for breeding ?

Just wanted to hear from others with experience with this species .

pics ;

 

[Mike Wise]

I picked up 5 of these guys a while back

questions ;

1. Is it typical for them to have red lips ?

Some do, some don't. Color is not an important characteristic in many apistos.

2. Is there a way to tell female and males apart ?

Yes. Males have a high sail-like dorsal fin and long thread-like extensions on the ventral fins. Males grow longer and are more slender in appearence. Both fish in your photos are males.[/quote]

3. water conditions for breeding ?

This is a blackwater species that requires acid (approx. pH 5.5) and soft water (<5º dGH; < 3° dKH) for good chances at breeding. I have also found that females will not breed with just any male; they can be quite "picky"

Just wanted to hear from others with experience with this species

.

I first reproduced this species back in 1978 - before it ever had a commercial or scientific name. It is an intersting species & the males display fascinating threat behaviour with widespread fins and color change of the spots on the caudal fin.

 

[a.d.wood]

Hi there,

I was fortunate to keep and breed this species last year.

Male:

Female with fry:

And an older male showing the long extensions to the trailing ventral fins:

Andrew

 

[apisto-nut]

Thanks guys

I do see 1 that is smaller , less pronounced finnage and more yellow than the others , hopefully it is a female .
I will try to get a pic .

Yes I must agree they are fascinating to watch as the males display to each other .