Apistogramma atahualpa a.k.a Sunset Apisto

[Samuel2618]

Hi Guys..

Need info about this apisto as I am about to acquire a pair soon.. I heard that they are quite aggressive as compared to the rest of the Apistos.. Is that true?

Anyone in the forum owns a pair can kindly share some experiences with me about rearing this fish?

Thank you very much..

Regards

[wiki]

Hi Samuel, here's some info I hope you will find useful for your new accquisition.

Apistogramma atahualpa KULLANDER, 1997

They belong to the Nijsseni sub complex, this specimen was labelled as Apistogramma sp. "Sunset" before it was officially described by Kullander in November, 1997. Their appearance is quite similar to another 2 specimens not officially described yet, Ap. payaminonis and Ap. sp. "Sunrise".

Their distribution is from a location in Peru call Rio Javari. Most specimens available in the market are usually wild specimens. They are highly sensitive to water chemistry changes and is considered a challenging specimen for the aquarist. Ensure your water parameters are optimum ( watch that nitrate and ammonia level ) and keep a pH of between 5.8 - 6.0.

IMHO, a rare find and real challenge. Good luck with your new buy.

[Zenislev]

Wow bro, you can still find Atahualpa? Its really a rare species to be seen locally i should say.

[Samuel2618]

Ya..

Haha.. Was pure luck that I was able to obtain the pair from a forumer..

Thanks Bro Wiki for the info.. I hope I am able to keep this pair healthy in future..

Regards

[cricha]

Congrats on your latest acquisition. Please do share some pics with us when possible.

[joopsg]

Well, they are easy to keep but hard to spawn, The pair of this specie will exhibit ice coloration even they are not spawning. Beware of the aggression the pair will put on each other. The aggression is severe when the size difference is great. But when they pared off, they are one lovely couple. I used to had a pair even though they did not spawn but they are the most lovely pair i had. Initial fight but once they settle in, they are so sweet.