Imported
Red-Line Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma hongsloi
Native Location: South America, Orinoco river basin
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 6cm (2.4 Inches)
Temperament: Can be territorial
Diet: Carnivorous
Breeding: Moderate
Temperature Range: 23-29℃ (73.4-84.2℉)
Preferred pH Range: 5.5-7.0
Minimum Aquarium Size: 45cm x 30cm x 30cm
Potential Tankmates: Cardinal Tetra, Yellow Acara, Anduzi's pencilfish
Care Level: Moderate
The Red-Line Dwarf Cichlid are an excellent fish for fishkeepers from all levels of experience. As long as a few simple care requirements are met, you can enjoy observing all the fascinating behaviours that make a cichlid so interesting - without the added aggression usually present in its larger cousins.
In the wild, you can spot these fish cohabiting areas of the Orinoco river basin among aquatic plants such as Bacopa and Tonina. These can be substituted for such species as various Cryptocoryne or Anubias plants due to their ability to grow in low light.
The ideal aquarium would consist of a soft sandy substrate with a variety of leaf litter and various botanicals scattered around. This provides a natural environment for beneficial bacteria to grow while the tannic acids released by the decaying leaves has additional health benefits. These fish do enjoy the availability of several hiding places which can be created using roots and branches. Alternatively, you can simulate this by using plastic tubing or ceramic pots etc.
Although relatively placid, these little cichlids still like to be a little territorial so it is advised that you either keep them in an aquarium as a pair only or with small differ fish that remain swimming in the middle to top of the aquarium water only.
When it comes to food the Apistogramma hongsloi is not too fussy. With a diet primarily consisting of insects and crustaceans in the wild, this is simple to replicate in the home aquarium with a variety of high protein flake or pellets plus live foods like Daphnia, brinesrhimp or mosquito larvae.
The red-Line Dwarf Cichlid is an excellent species if you are looking for a breeding project. With the ideal setup being a harem (one male with 3 females), your aquarium can consist of several individual spawning sites with a single female in each one. The male will defend all spawning sites and can become aggressive during this time so the only fish outside of the breeding group should be species that remain at the higher levels of water only. Although, Corydoras generally are accepted within the breeding aquarium without cause for alarm.
Breeding can be encouraged by increasing the temperature to the higher end of the range with more love foods being provided. Eggs will be laid on the roof of hiding places and for the best chances, provide several ceramic pots on their side, spaced out with plants between each spawning site.
It is the females that guard their individual site with the male defending the general harem territory. After 4 days eggs should have hatched and after 2-3 days you will begin to see free swimming fry following mum out of the cave. At this point, the females will be overly defensive of their new babies but this can be reduced by providing adequate hiding places and vegetation for them to feel safe. Free swimming fry will require a suitable food source by now so the provision of crushed up flake food is sufficient.
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, they are treated for any possible diseases and given a complete health check to make sure they are health, happy and eating well before being placed in our display aquariums, ready for sale.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish.
Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document via a dated photo, water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels). Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or “disasters” i.e. a heater overheating. We recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium to prevent such situations.
Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please get in touch with us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fish keeping!
