Caete Apisto

Apistogramma caetei is native to the coastal river systems of the Ceará and Pará states in northeastern Brazil. It is somewhat more tolerant of varying water conditions than many of its congeners, making it a reasonable entry point into keeping Apistogramma. Males show a classic apisto body plan with colourful finnage and lateral banding.

Water: 24-29°C, pH 5.5-7.2, soft to moderately hard (GH 2-10). Tank: 60L minimum, sand substrate, caves, moderate planting with driftwood. Feeding: omnivore — varied diet of live/frozen and quality dry foods. Behaviour: territorial during breeding; harem setup (1M:2-3F) optimal. Compatibility: peaceful community tank with small tetras and Corydoras.