Dwarfs?

[Nick S.]

Are dwarf cichlids based strictly on size or species? Is Aequidens Curviceps classed as a dwarf, or Aequidens Pulcher? If it is size where is the line drawn between dwarfs and regular cichlids?

 

[curviceps]

Interesting article from Apistogramma.com on this subject: http://www.apistogramma.com/cms/Art...lid_Articles/What_Exactly_Is_A_Dwarf_Cichlid/

Quote from that article below:

Meeting the initial criterion of size is mandatory, but only the first step in determining the status of a particular fish. It is, however, the most important step and requires several points of examination. The following four criteria are all combined to distinguish a size standard for dwarf cichlids.

1. Male specimen can be no longer than 14 cm in their wild biotope. This length allows for larger fish to be considered, but is modified by the other criterion.
2. Female specimens may be no longer than 12 cm in their wild environment, regardless of their relationship to the males of their species.
3. Size at sexual maturity must be 10 cm for males and 8 cm for females.
4. For the larger candidates being considered that are close (within 2 cm) of the size limits, a minimal body depth should produce the "impression" of a smaller size. This means that long fish must not also be exceedingly tall or wide. Discus are a prime example of this and in many ways meet the requirements of a dwarf cichlid. However, they are far too high-bodied to be considered, even if the maximum length for a female in the wild was 12 cm. Whereas, Crenicichla regani (one of the dwarf pike cichlids) males are 13cm, but appear to be a smaller fish because of their slender body.

With the previous size requirements met, we may now look at several other factors that must be considered before assigning the "dwarf" stamp of approval to any particular cichlid. The following is a checklist of criterion that can be used in conjunction with this simple formula:

"If a cichlid of the appropriate length and size can also meet at least 4 of the 8 criterion listed, and violates no more than 2, it may be considered a "dwarf."

This formula relates to the general qualities of a particular species and not to the exceptional individual. Because little work has been done with so many species of cichlid there is a lenient standard of 4 hits or 2 misses. These criteria all relate to the cichlids behavior (territoriality and aggression) in captivity and whether they are capable of a relatively peaceful captive existence during both breeding and non-breeding times.

1. No or minimal live plant destruction.
2. No or minimal substrate excavation. This does not include limited cave digging associated with breeding.
3. They can be housed individually with other cichlids. This means a single specimen can be kept with other species of cichlids.
4. Minimal predatory instincts. This suggests that they must have food requirements other than their tank-mates, as well as accepting of non-cichlid species ( see 5)
5. Can be kept with "dither" fish. This suggests that other fish won’t be regularly killed during non-breeding times.
6. Males and females of that species can be housed together.
7. Can be bred in a 30 inch x 12 inch tank (20gal. long), although larger quarters would be more appropriate.
8. Juveniles can be housed together as a group at sub-adult size. Some juvenile cichlids start killing or eating each other at a young age (i.e. Various Hemichromis species show cannibalism by 2 to 3cm).

Although Convict cichlids fit within the parameters of size, they are far too belligerent and aggressive to be considered a dwarf. Other cichlids are more marginal in terms of their behavior and should be closely examined for their ability to fit within the "dwarf" scheme presented here.

The standard for a dwarf cichlid in general is a fish complying with the size requirement that will not kill their tank-mates and destroy the tank itself. They should be reasonable candidates for a planted aquarium and should not have a vicious quality warranting an isolated existence.

Cichlids are interesting for their behavior, including territoriality, aggression, and breeding practices. Dwarf cichlids have most of the same characteristics, only on a level that makes them more suitable for life in the home aquarium. It would seem apparent that it is worthwhile to know what exactly is a "dwarf cichlid."

 

[Nick S.]

Dwarfs

If this is the case, it places most but not all Aequidens as dwarfs. Or at least that's how I interpret the classification rules. Thanx for the info.

 

[Rolo]

Are dwarf cichlids based strictly on size or species? Is Aequidens Curviceps classed as a dwarf, or Aequidens Pulcher? If it is size where is the line drawn between dwarfs and regular cichlids?

"Dwarf cichlid" is no scientific term, so you can call "Dwarf", whatever you want. ,-)

Usually it means species, which have a maximum length of about 10cm.
It doesn't matter, to what genus the species belongs.
In your example, the two fishes are belonging to different species. Aeqidens curviceps is not a valid name anymore, since 1986 (!) it's Laetacara curviceps. And Laetacara are called "Dwarf cichlids". Aequidens normally are not called Dwarfs.
But e.g. within the genus Crenicichla, there are species growing up to 40cm and some species are about 10cm. The small Crenicichla species are often also called "dwarf cichlids", but nobody would call the genus Crenicichla a genus of Dwarf cichlids. (but I prefer, to call the small ones "Dwarf-Crenicichla", not "Dwarf cichlids" *g*)

regards,
Rolo