Kelleri Apistogramma

Apistogramma sp. 'Kelleri' is a popular undescribed form from Peru that has established a firm following in the Apistogramma hobby due to the males' extraordinary coloration: a vivid blue-green iridescent body with deep red fin margins and a bold lateral stripe that intensifies to near-black in dominant animals. The fish was named after the collector who first brought it to hobbyist attention.

This form inhabits soft, tannin-stained streams in the Peruvian Amazon and requires acidic conditions to display its full color potential. It is moderately demanding and best suited to keepers with some experience managing soft water parameters.

Captive-bred specimens are available from specialist breeders and tend to be somewhat easier to establish than wild-caught animals, which may require a lengthy acclimation period.

Water: Soft, acidic — pH 5.0–6.5, temperature 25–28°C, low TDS. Tank: 60 L with leaf litter, driftwood caves, and soft planting. Feeding: Live/frozen small invertebrates; quality pellets accepted. Breeding: Cave spawner; female guards; captive-bred specimens easier to breed. Compatibility: Small peaceful soft-water tetras and pencilfish.