Apistogramma Hoignei

Datasheet

General Description

Apistogramma Hoignei, assigned the code A116 under the DATZ ‘A-number’ system, is a species within the highly diverse genus Apistogramma, comprising approximately 70 valid species with many more awaiting formal description. Often labeled with collection data to prevent hybridization, these cichlids exhibit variations in color forms across different geographical locations.

Aquarium Setup

For Apistogramma Hoignei, a minimum tank size of 40 litres is recommended coupled with a setup including ceramic flowerpots, artificial caves or lengths of plastic piping for cover. A naturalistic habitat can be created with a soft, sandy substrate, driftwood, and dried leaf litter (beech, oak, or Ketapang almond leaves). Nurturing plant species such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, Cryptocoryne, and Anubias under dim lighting is ideal, with floating vegetation to diffuse light. Gentle filtration and weekly water changes of 10-15% are advised in lightly stocked tanks.

Behaviour

When kept in captivity, it is advised to opt for captive-raised Apistogramma Hoignei for community aquariums. In contrast, wild-caught specimens are best housed alone or with small ‘dither’ fishes like Nannostomus or Micropoecilia spp., cautioning against mixing with other Apistogramma species due to potential aggression.

Feeding and Diet

Primarily carnivorous, Apistogramma Hoignei feeds on benthic invertebrates in their natural habitat. In aquariums, they should be offered live and frozen foods like Artemia, Daphnia, and chironomid larvae. While most individuals adapt to dried foods, pelleted products are preferred over flakes.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Apistogramma Hoignei is a substrate spawner, with females caring for eggs and fry post-spawning. In smaller tanks, male removal might be necessary as females can exhibit hyper-aggressive behavior. Males are larger, more colorful, and develop longer fins compared to females, showcasing sexual dimorphism.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in slower-moving tributaries, backwaters, and creeks with accumulated leaf litter in the Río Orinoco basin, Apistogramma Hoignei originates from the Río Portugesa, a tributary of the Río Apuré in southwestern Venezuela, extending to the lower Orinoco mainstream, including the lower Río Arauca and Río Caura.