Apistogramma nijsseni 1.5″ WILD CAUGHT

Apistogramma Nijsseni, also known as Nijssen’s Dwarf Cichlid, is a beautiful and peaceful species of dwarf cichlid native to South America, specifically found in the Rio Negro and Orinoco River basins. This species is highly prized in the aquarium hobby due to its stunning colors, especially in males, and its manageable size. Apistogramma nijsseni is a great addition to community tanks with other peaceful species, but like other Apistogramma, it does require specific care to thrive.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a pair of Apistogramma Nijsseni. If you plan to keep a small group (one male and multiple females), a 30-gallon tank is preferable to provide enough space for territorial behavior and reduce stress.
  • Keep in mind that this species can be territorial, so providing adequate hiding places is important for maintaining peace in the tank.
• Tank Setup:
  • A soft, sandy substrate is ideal because Apistogramma Nijsseni enjoys digging and sifting through the sand. Avoid using sharp or rough gravel, as it can damage their delicate barbels.
  • Driftwood, rocks, and plants (especially those with broad leaves) are essential to create territories and offer shelter. Plants like Amazon swords, Cryptocoryne, and floating plants are excellent choices for providing cover.
  • Create shady areas to mimic their natural, low-light environment.
• Lighting:
  • Moderate lighting is suitable. Floating plants or rocks can provide shading and simulate the dimly lit, natural habitat of the Rio Negro and Orinoco. Intense, direct lighting should be avoided to prevent stress.
• Water Flow:
  • A gentle to moderate water flow is ideal for Apistogramma Nijsseni, as they come from slow-moving waters. Strong currents should be avoided, as these fish prefer calm waters.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm
• Water Changes: Weekly water changes (20–30%) are necessary to maintain water quality and ensure the health of these sensitive fish.

Diet

Apistogramma Nijsseni is an omnivorous species, and they are not particularly difficult to feed:

• Staple Foods:
  • High-quality sinking pellets or flakes formulated for cichlids or small fish.
• Live/Frozen Foods:
  • Offer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blackworms.
• Vegetables:
  • Blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or peas can be offered as a supplement to their diet.
• Feeding Schedule:
  • Feed Apistogramma Nijsseni 2–3 times a day in small portions that can be consumed in a few minutes. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to water quality issues.

Note: These fish will also graze on algae in the tank, but it is important to provide a varied diet for optimal health and coloration.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Apistogramma Nijsseni is generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially when breeding. Males can become aggressive toward other males or fish that intrude into their territory.
  • Outside of the breeding season, they are relatively calm and can be kept in community tanks with other peaceful fish.
• Tankmates:
  • Best kept with small, peaceful fish such as tetras, rasboras, small catfish, and other peaceful dwarf cichlids.
  • Avoid aggressive or large fish that may bully Apistogramma Nijsseni, as they can be stressed by such tankmates.
  • Provide plenty of hiding spots and territorial boundaries to ensure peace and reduce aggression.
• Social Behavior:
  • In the wild, these fish are found in small groups, so it’s recommended to keep one male with multiple females to reduce aggression.
  • Apistogramma Nijsseni can also be kept in pairs, but more than one male may result in conflict. Providing multiple hiding spots is essential.

Breeding

Breeding Apistogramma Nijsseni in the aquarium is fairly straightforward with the right setup:

1. Breeding Setup:
   • A 20-gallon tank with soft, slightly acidic water is ideal. Provide caves or flat surfaces where the female can lay her eggs.
   • Create a peaceful, low-stress environment for the fish, as Apistogramma Nijsseni is sensitive to disruptions during breeding.
2. Spawning Behavior:
   • The female will lay her eggs in a cave or on a flat surface, and the male will fertilize them.
   • The female is very protective of the eggs, and the male will usually stay nearby but not interfere.
3. Egg Care:
   • The eggs will hatch in 3–4 days, and the fry will stay in the nest for a few days before becoming free-swimming.
4. Fry Care:
   • Once free-swimming, the fry can be fed baby brine shrimp, finely crushed flakes, or liquid fry food.
   • The parents may protect the fry for a while. You can remove the parents once the fry are fully independent to prevent them from eating the young.

Common Challenges

1. Water Quality:
   • Apistogramma Nijsseni is sensitive to poor water quality. Regular water changes, stable water parameters, and efficient filtration are essential.
2. Territorial Aggression:
   • Males can be aggressive toward each other, especially during breeding. Keeping only one male with multiple females can help reduce territorial conflicts.
3. Breeding Issues:
   • Sometimes breeding does not occur, especially if the fish are stressed. Ensuring a peaceful, low-stress environment and a proper male-to-female ratio can help encourage breeding.
4. Overfeeding:
   • Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and excess waste. Feed small amounts of food several times a day, and ensure that all food is eaten within a few minutes.

Interesting Facts

• Apistogramma Nijsseni is known for its vibrant coloration, especially in males. Males can display stunning shades of yellow, blue, and red, especially during breeding periods.
• The species is often referred to as “Nijssen’s Dwarf Cichlid” in honor of Dutch ichthyologist Wouter Nijssen, who described the species.
• These fish are cavity spawners, meaning they lay eggs in caves or similar structures, which is why providing appropriate breeding sites is key to successful breeding.
• Apistogramma Nijsseni is found in the Rio Negro and Orinoco River systems, where it thrives in slow-moving, slightly acidic waters.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 20 gallons; 30+ gallons for groups
Water Parameters	pH 5.5–7.0, 74–82°F, soft water
Diet	Omnivorous: sinking pellets, live/frozen foods, vegetables
Temperament	Peaceful, but territorial during breeding
Lifespan	3–5 years

Apistogramma Nijsseni is a stunning and peaceful dwarf cichlid that thrives in well-planted aquariums with stable water conditions. By providing a proper tank environment, varied diet, and the right tankmates, you can enjoy these vibrant fish for many years.