Apistogramma Cruzzi

Apisto Cruzzi

The apistogramma cruzzi from the Amazonia region of Peru features a rainbow of subtle colors for the males and females. Dwarf in size and peaceful, these are very nice and fairly rare community species. Since these dwarf cichlids are wild-caught, they will not tolerate pH above 7.5 or temperatures below 72 degrees. In all other aspects, they are hardy and adapt easily to flake food.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them a heater, a gentle filter, dim lighting and lots of plants, driftwood and leaf litter. Add a cave (a coconut shell or small clay pot) for each female. Most apistos prefer soft, slightly acidic water.

Feeding: Feed small pellets or flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Tankmates: Keep them with small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, otocinclus and corydoras. A calm school of small "dither" fish helps apistos feel safe enough to come out. Keep one male per tank unless it is large and well planted, and avoid large or boisterous fish. Adults may eat small shrimp and baby shrimp.

Breeding: Apistos are cave spawners. The female lays her eggs inside a cave and guards the fry, while the male patrols the territory. One male with several females works well in a planted tank.

Good to know: Like all wild apistos, cruzi prefer soft, slightly acidic water and settle in best with dim light and plenty of cover.