A. sp. Tahuayo - Wild male
Taxonomy
Apistogramma-regani-Lineage
Apistogramma-regani-Group
Apistogramma-eunotus-Complex
Apistogramma-eunotus-Subcomplex
They differ from A. (cf.) eunotus by having a prominently crossstriped tail fin, at least in the middle part, by a different head shape, and by being very brightly colored.
It shows split Bars 5 and 6, usually over the entire height of the body, especially pronounced in threat display.
The tail fin is sometimes bicolored like on species of the A.-cruzi-complex, and in contrast to the A. cf. eunotus (Schwanzstreifen/Tail-striped), they do not have a double tipped caudal fin.
Specimens were imported in 2000 by Aquarium Dietzenbach, Germany, but had been exported to Asia in the 90s (Chiang 1996).
The “A. eunotus” reported from the Rio Tahuayo by Linke & Staeck (1992) might belong to this form.
Römer (1998, 2000, pages 356-357, 366 and 398-399) pictures a form as "A. cruzi" and "A. eunotus" that possibly corresponds to the A. sp. "Tahuayo".
Distribution and habitat
This species is found in the Río Tahuayo-drainage (Upper Río Amazonas), Peru.
I collected it in October 2011, in this small jungle creek:
The water: pH: 6,06 Conductivity: 7 MicroSiemens/cm Temperature: 26,8 ºC
Water parameters
PH : 5 - 6,5
ppm : Very low
My Experience
Easy to keep as long as the water is good, and the tank large enough.
Fairly aggressive when breeding.
Breeding
Breeds just as easy as other members of this complex.
Behaves quite polygamous in my tanks.