Apistos in Guyana

[WildPERU]

To those in the know:

What species should I look for and where? Any and all inks to collection locations for the Dwarves found there will be appreciated! Are there areas of Guyana that still need a proper survey?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[Mike Wise]

A. steindachneri is found in most coastal rivers. A. rupununi is found in the upper Rupununi River. A. sp. Rupununi-Savanne occurs in the headwaters region of the Rupununi River and Rio Branco. Various forms of A. ortmanni are found in several blackwater drainages in the middle and lower parts of coastal rivers. A. roraimae is found in the headwaters of the Rio Branco in the border areas of both Guyana and Brazil. Much of the upper courses of Guyanan river systems have hardly been collected. Ithyologically, little is known of the area.

 

[Apistomaster]

Many years ago when i owned a fish shop imports from Guyana were common. I do not believe that is the case today.
Back then I received many Apistogramma steindachneri and Nannacara anomala. The Nannacara were only $20/100. The A. steindachneri ran about $0.35 in 25 lots. That should be clue about how long ago I was receiving Guyanese species.
The Nannacara anomala were amazing. I would have females guarding multiple spawns placed in the corners of bare holding tanks. I think they could be bred in a plastic bag given half a chance. It has surprised me how such an easily bred and hardy species became so rare in the hobby. A fully developed male is a very colorful fish. They are a perfect beginners' species.
i never received any other species of dwarf Cichlids from Guyana back in those days. The low hanging fruit was all that was picked.

 

[Mike Wise]

Well said on all accounts!