Just wondering, but

[kets]

are there any apistos that will be happy in a 5 gallon?

 

[Mike Wise]

Probably A. wapisana & A. angayuara.

 

[Apistomaster]

I would add Apistogramma borelli as another species that can be kept and bred in a five gallon.
I had a trio living in only a 4.5 gal tank and both females had their own schools of fry.
I don't recommend doing it just because it can be done. A larger aquarium always makes a better choice.

 

[kets]

Ok thanks! Ill keep a lookout for those species! It really is boring looking at an empty 5-gallon.

 

[bigbird]

Hello Kets,

get some gravel, get a papyrus plant and some other plants and add some crays/shrimp or a simese fighter. I find that min for apistos should be 15-20G.
When you are fully set up if you do proceed, just keep us informed.
cheers JK

 

[kets]

So I shouldnt get wapisana or angayuara?

 

[bigbird]

Gday Kets,

Use your common sense. It can be done with the smaller species, but think of it this way, would you rather live in a 2 x 3 meter room or 10x15meter room. It is all relative. On the one hand you wish to mimic the living quarters of the Apisto and on the other hand for them more room would be nicer. Try the smaller species in your 5G and see how you go, make sure again you offer them plants, substrate and caves. Monitor this and see if they stress out of not. I just personally would not put Apistos in a 5G tank, as in my view they need room to explore and swim, as in their habitate. The reason I gave a Siamses fighting fish, is because they are used to smaller environments.
Good luck. cheer JK

 

[Mike Wise]

So I shouldnt get wapisana or angayuara?

Sadly, I have seen A. wapisana only twice - in 1983 and in 2004. I have never seen A. angayuara except in the original description. Both of these species stay under 2"/5 cm. A. borellii is close.

I, too, believe that a 5 gallon tank is too small for a cichlid tank. It would be an excellent quarantine tank, however.

 

[kets]

Ok then. I guess Ill just save up for another 10 gallon.

 

[Apistomaster]

Well, a ten gal sells for about $9 each so that is less than even a pair of A. borelli usually cost. They are the only common species that does well in a small tank and they are a beautiful species, more so than many that are rare, more difficult and expensive.
Not my best fish photo but this old male shows how colorful A. borelli are.