This is part of a longer post that I've put up a few times. Maybe the info will be of use to you:
APISTOGRAMMA AND OTHER NEW WORLD DWARF CICHLIDS
These cichlid are a far cry from their counterparts in South America. Measuring no more than 4.5" (11.5cm), these cichlids have rightfully earned their title of New World Dwarf Cichlids. These fish can be found in small streams and oxbow lakes throughout tropical South America.The largest group of Dwarf Cichlids are of the genus Apistogramma .More than 50 species make up this genus. Other fish included in the category of Dwarf Cichlids are Microgeophagus (Papiliochromis) species.Many other genera are included in this group, although they are not included in this book.
SIZE: Dwarf Cichlids range in size from 1-4.5" (2.5-11.5 cm).
TANK : Most Dwarf Cichlids are content in a tank measuring 24" (61 cm) with a capacity of 20 gallons (75 L), although some species requires more space. Since these cichlids often inhabit overgrown, rainforest streams and lakes, heavy vegetation should be included in the tank. Provide many hiding places with small "forests", rocks, roots, and wood; as many Dwarf Cichlids are shy. The lighting should be dim and there should be a partial cover of floating plants because these species frequently live in shaded areas. The filter should create little water disturbance.Leave open swimming areas and use a dark substrate.
WATER : Most Dwarf Cichlids inhabit soft acidic blackwater. The recommended values are as follows:a pH from 5.5-6.8, a water hardness from 0-8 dH, and a temperature from 75-84°F (24-29°C). Although some species can tolerate wider variances, nearly all Dwarf Cichlids are sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Many species prefer peat filtration.
SB : Dwarf Cichlids are, for the most part, shy and peaceful. Each fish will establish a favorite spot (cave, overturned flowerpot) and will defend it against other fish. Dwarf Cichlids can be combined with each other and small schooling fish of the upper swimming levels. Most Apistogramma form harems, thus it is necessary to keep one male with several females.
SC warf Cichlids can be combined with other small fish that can tolerate black water conditions. Small, schooling species of the upper swimming such as tetras, pencilfish, and hatchetfish are excellent companions. Dwarf Cichlids can also be combined with small catfish like Corydoras and Loricarids. However, around spawning times, catfish should be removed as Apistogramma species have been observed picking out the eyes of the catfish in their efforts to protect their brood. Some aquarists combine Dwarf Cichlids with Discus.
FOOD: Dwarf Cichlids require a varied diet including live foods in order to thrive. Livefoods such as Brine Shrimp, Cyclops, Daphnia, Bloodworms, mosquito larvae, Tubifex can be fed. Some species may accept flakes.
B : In most cases, soft acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5, dH 0-4) is needed for spawning. Mak frequent partial water changes and feed the fish a variety of live foods to bring them in to top condition. The eggs are deposited on the underside of a rock or flowerpot.The eggs hatch in 2-5 days and the young are free-swimming 4-6 days later. The female will guard the young and parade them around the tank. The delicate fry can be raised on small Daphnia, Artemia nauplii, and rotifers.
BP: 8.Dwarf Cichlids are challenging to breed.
R : Dwarf Cichlids are highly sensitive to water pollutants and medications. It is important to make frequent partial water changes as a result of their sensitivity. Many of these species have wide distribution, thus many color morphs are known. Occasionally males will assume the coloring of females so as not to be considered as rivals over territory.These males are then able to mate with the females of another male's harem when he is not present.
DC: 6.Many of these species are delicate and require live foods. Dwarf Cichlids are not recommended for beginners.
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
SYN: Apistogramma marmoratus, A. U-2
PD : Males have highly developed fins. The dorsal fin's first three to five rays are elongated and stand out among the others.The dorsal tip comes to a sharp, elongated point. The caudal fin is forked and the anal fin's tip comes to a point. Females, by contrast, have less elaborate fins. The male's coloring depends on its population, and thus can be varied. The most common variety has a brown to gray body coloring. The belly is golden-brown as are the anal, pelvic, and dorsal fins.The anal fin is edged with a blue-green fringe, as are the pelvic fins. The pointed dorsal rays are tipped with orange, that become green before reaching the main part of the fin, which is gold. The body is marked with one lateral stripe that extends from the eye to the caudal fin.Below this stripe are three shorter lines. Depending on the mood of the fish, fiv eto seven broad bands are visible on the upper back.The eye is marked with a stripe that extends down to the corner ofthe gill cover.The tail green with a series of red spots on the upper lobe. Females are much drabber in color.
SIZE: Males to 3.5" (9 cm), females to 2" (5 cm)
SS: Banded Dwarf Cichlid ( A. bitaeniata)
HAB : Shallow, still to slow-moving bodies of water with leaf litter as a substrate. This species inhabits clear and white water bodies of water. South America; Yavari River along the border of Brazil and Peru.
S: bottom
TANK : The tank should measure around 32" (81 cm) with a capacity of 30 gallons (114 L). Usea cover of floating plants to diffuse the lighting.The substrate should be dark. The tank should be heavily planted withmany hiding areas among rocks, wood, and roots. Cover the tank well.
WATER: pH 6.2-7.7 (6.7), 5-16 dH (10), 75-81°F (24-27°C)
SB: A territorial fish that can be combined with other Apistogramma species, catfish, and schooling fish of the upper swimming levels.Males form harems, thus one male should be kept with several females. Males are pugnacious during the spawning season and may attack other fish in the tank-including the females.
SC: Corydoras, tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, Loricarids, Apistogramma.
FOOD: Live; crustaceans, insects, insect larvae; flakes; pellets; tablets; finely chopped meat.
SEX: Males develop the characteristic 'peacock' crest, are larger and more colorful. The male's caudal fin is forked.
B : Use water with a pH from 6.8-7.2, a water hardness of 10 dH, and a temperature 79-84°F(26-29°C).Each female should be provided with a cave or over-turned flower pot to defend. The females lay up to 100 eggs on the ceiling of the site.The female guards the eggs, while the male guards the harem territory. The eggs hatch after three to four days. Start feeding with rotifers, after a week or two, the fry can be fed with nauplii. As the fry grow, they may change from one mother to another.
BP: 7.Breeding is fairly difficult.
R : The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid requires frequent partial water changes in order to prosper. Several different color variations have been exported including a popular red-spotted form. Well-maintained water leads to the beautiful colors that this fish is known to develop.
DC: 5.The Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid is among the hardiest of all Apistogramma species.
it is def 2males 1 female. i had 2 males and 2females and waited to see some pairing. one female absolutly would not let the other come out unless distracted by food. the males never once got into it unless protecting eggs or fry. both males took turns breeding with her about every 2-3 weeks. unfortunatly i never had an extra tank for the adults to move. fry would live for about a month then, mother father and other male ate them all. so sad.
