Hongslo's Dwarf Cichlid Care
Apistogramma hongsloi
Hongslo's dwarf cichlid is a South American cave-spawner that can be relatively adaptable but still needs a sheltered bottom area and stable water quality. A pair needs a footprint of at least 45 × 30 cm. Use sand, wood, leaf litter and several caves, with subdued light and gentle flow. Captive-raised fish are the recommended choice for a community aquarium. Wild fish are better with small, calm dither species and should not be mixed with other Apistogramma. A guarding female can become strongly territorial, so be ready to separate the male safely if needed.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- GH
- 1–15 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 45 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 41 L
- Adult size
- Up to 6 cm
- Group size
- At least 2 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
Apistogramma hongsloi Kullander, 1979 belongs to Cichlidae. It occurs in the Río Vichada and middle Río Meta basins of Colombia and in the middle Orinoco system of Venezuela. DATZ code A110 is used for this species. A111–A115 refer to similar locality populations that may be conspecific; these are not confirmed synonyms by default.
Natural habitat
The species inhabits small tributaries and still waters. The available source gives limited detail on exact substrate and vegetation at each locality. In the aquarium, shelter, gentle flow and a soft substrate are therefore the well-supported choices; avoid adding unverified local water or habitat claims.
Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish gives a 45 × 30 cm footprint and about 41 litres for a pair; a group needs more room. Furnish the aquarium with sand, wood roots, leaf litter and several caves or hollow shelters. Subdued light, floating plants and gentle flow are suitable. For lightly stocked tanks, the source recommends water changes of about 10–15% weekly and advises against very large changes. Ensure the aquarium is biologically mature before adding fish.
Water conditions
The specialist source gives 23–29 °C, pH 5.5–7.0 and 1–15 dGH. Keep values stable and avoid abrupt fluctuations. The broad source range is not a reason to swing quickly between its limits. Match water and acclimation to the fish’s origin and previous conditions.
Behaviour and group size
Captive-raised fish are the recommended choice for a community aquarium. Wild fish are better kept alone or with small dither species such as Nannostomus or Micropoecilia. Do not mix them with other Apistogramma. The source rates general temperament as peaceful, but a female guarding eggs and fry may become highly aggressive and attack the male. Provide several refuges and keep a safe separation option ready.
Feeding
The species is primarily carnivorous and feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates in nature. Regularly offer varied live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Daphnia and suitable chironomid larvae. Most specimens learn to accept dried foods; pellets are generally taken more readily than flakes. Make sure both partners receive enough food.
Breeding
This is a cave or crevice spawner. The female tends the eggs and fry and may become hyper-aggressive toward the male in a small aquarium. Several caves, visual barriers and enough bottom space help. Have a safe way to remove the male temporarily if aggression continues.
Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .