Apistogramma
| Apistogramma | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Apistogramma bitaeniata | |
.jpg) |
|
| Apistogramma hongsloi | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Subfamily: | Geophaginae |
| Genus: |
Apistogramma Regan, 1913 |
| Type species | |
|
Mesops taeniatus Günther, 1862 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Heterogramma Regan, 1906 |
|
Heterogramma Regan, 1906
Pintoichthys Fowler, 1954
Apistogramma is a genus of fish in the family Cichlidae found in South America. They are relatively small and belong among the dwarf cichlids. Most species are strongly sexually dimorphic, with males generally larger and differently coloured to females. In a few species this pattern is reverse. All species are micropredators. Their main prey items consist of fry of other fish, insect larvae and other invertebrates. Brood care is highly developed, as in most cichlids. Nearly all species spawn in caves, typically under rocks or in holes in sunken logs or branches. In the recently described species A. barlowi both females and males are mouthbrooding. A number of breeding strategies exist. Some species breed in polygamous harems, while other species form monogamous pairs. In most cases, regardless of the breeding strategy, the female is more highly involved with brood care, whilst the male defends a territory from predators. The sex of the fry is affected by the water conditions, with warmer and more acid water favoring more males.
There are currently 92 recognized species in this genus:
...
Wikipedia