Apistogramma tucurui M/F Pair

The Apistogramma tucurui, a dwarf cichlid, is found in the Rio Tocantins basin in Brazil. This species inhabits freshwater environments, typically in shallow waters with leaf litter on the bottom. They are known for their territorial behavior and tend to live as couples.

Keeping Apistogramma tucurui can be a rewarding experience, but it does require some specific care to ensure they thrive. Here are the key care requirements:

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum of 120 liters (about 30 gallons) to provide ample space for their territorial behavior.
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 22 - 27°C (72 - 81°F).
• pH: 5.5 - 6.5.
• Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal.

Environment

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel with plenty of leaf litter to mimic their natural habitat.
• Plants: Dense planting with hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and caves.
• Filtration: Gentle filtration to maintain water quality without creating strong currents.

Diet

• Omnivorous with Carnivorous Tendency: Feed a varied diet including high-quality flake or pellet food, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Territorial: Best kept as a pair or in a species-specific tank to avoid aggression.
• Tank Mates: Choose peaceful, non-aggressive fish that can tolerate similar water conditions.

Maintenance

• Regular Water Changes: Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters