Rupununi Apistogramma

Apistogramma rupununi is collected from the Rupununi savannahs of Guyana, an ecologically distinctive region where wet season flooding creates vast shallow water habitats that differ markedly from the dense forest streams of the Amazonian apistos. The species has adapted to warmer, slightly more variable water chemistry as a result of this seasonal flood environment.

Males display an appealing combination of dark lateral blotches, a horizontal stripe, and warmly colored red-orange fin margins. The species is an active and curious dwarf cichlid that adapts well to life in a planted aquarium.

A. rupununi represents a good choice for hobbyists interested in the less commonly kept South American species from outside the core Amazonian drainage.

Water: Soft to moderate — pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 24–28°C. Tank: 60 L with sand substrate, driftwood, and plant cover. Feeding: Varied live/frozen invertebrates and quality micro-pellets. Breeding: Cave spawner; female guards; intermediate difficulty. Compatibility: Small peaceful tetras, pencilfish, and bottom dwellers.