Cruz Apistogramma

Apistogramma cruzi is a somewhat cryptic species from the lowland Peruvian Amazon, where it lives in shallow, heavily vegetated backwaters with extremely soft and acidic conditions. It is named after the locality where it was first collected and is rarely encountered in the European trade, making each appearance a collectors' event.

Males develop subtle but refined coloration: a pale greenish-yellow body with a bold dark lateral stripe terminating in a well-defined caudal peduncle spot. Breeding males intensify their colors considerably and display extended dorsal and caudal fin rays.

This species does best in a dedicated setup with leaf litter, soft peat-filtered water, and minimal flow, mimicking the stagnant forest pool habitats of its origin.

Water: Soft, acidic — pH 4.5–6.5, temperature 25–29°C, very low TDS. Tank: 60 L; leaf litter floor, driftwood tangles, sparse planting to allow territories. Feeding: Live micro-prey preferred; Daphnia, Artemia nauplii, bloodworm; pellets as supplement. Breeding: Cave spawner; female broods exclusively; male best removed after spawning. Compatibility: Small, non-competitive dither fish like pencilfish or ember tetras.