Apistogramma sp. Zwilling Male (Wild fish)
Taxonomy
Apistogramma-nijsseni-group and - complex
At first glance, the males seem identical to Apistogramma nijsseni, which gives it its common name.
Adult males of Apistogramma sp. "Zwilling/Twin" develop a serrated dorsal fin with slightly extended dorsal fin membranes, and they usually show a lateral band while in a neutral emotional state, unlike Apistogramma nijsseni.
The caudal spot is larger and more distinct, and there are one or two rows of dark spots on the caudal peduncle below the lateral band.
Females of Apistogramma sp. "Zwilling/Twin" have a wide cheek band, but it does not cover the entire gill cover as on Apistogramma nijsseni.
Apistogramma sp. "Zwilling/Twin"' has a lateral spot that is comparatively smaller than the flank patch on Apistogramma nijsseni.
Synonyms
Apistogramma sp. aff. payaminonis
Apistogramma sp. aff. nijsseni
Apistogramma sp. "Nijsseni II"
Apistogramma sp. "Oregon" (which actually is another, closely relat
Distribution and habitat
This species is found far up in the Rio Nanay in Peru, close to the border with Ecuador.
My Experience
A typical black water species which requires quite acid and soft water to thrive and breed.
In my tanks, it so far shows a lower level of aggression compared to its cousin Apistogramma nijsseni, even if they now breed in a tank with several other Apistogramma.
Breeding
They dig out a cave in fine sand under some wood. After the eggs were hatched, the mother moved the wigglers to a hole in another piece of wood.
The male behaved monogamousely even if there were more females available in the same tank.
The water was very soft, pH was around 5,0, and the temperature 26°C