Wapisana Apistogramma

Apistogramma wapisana is named after the Wapishana people of the Rupununi region of Guyana, where the species is collected. Males are robustly built for an Apistogramma, with rich golden-yellow flanks accented by a prominent, well-defined round caudal spot and attractively colored dorsal and caudal fins with red-orange margins.

This species inhabits the savannah streams and forest gallery rivers of the Rupununi watershed, where water is generally soft to moderately soft with mild acidity. Its adaptation to a somewhat variable seasonal environment gives it slightly more water parameter flexibility than strictly Amazonian species.

A. wapisana is a rewarding intermediate-level species that pairs well with South American community fish and will spawn readily in a well-arranged aquarium with appropriate cave sites.

Water: Soft to moderate — pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 24–28°C. Tank: 60 L with caves, sand substrate, and plant cover. Feeding: Varied invertebrates and micro-pellets; good appetite. Breeding: Cave spawner; female guards; moderate difficulty for intermediate keepers. Compatibility: Small peaceful South American species.