Apistogramma eunotus is a rare Peruvian dwarf cichlid with vivid blue spots, ideal for planted soft water community tanks of 80 liters or more.
Overview
Apistogramma eunotus is a dwarf cichlid from the Cichlidae family, native to shallow forest streams and tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon. In the aquarium hobby, this species is known as the "Blue Spot Apistogramma" due to the distinctive pattern of vivid blue spots on the body and fins of males.
Adults reach 5–7 cm in length and live for 3–5 years. As with most apistogrammas, sexual dimorphism is well-pronounced: males are larger, more colorful, and possess more developed fins with rich blue and yellow hues. Females are smaller, colored in modest gray-yellow tones, but develop a characteristic intense yellow coloration with black bars during spawning.
A. eunotus is less common in the hobby than the related Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid or Borelli's Dwarf Cichlid, but its striking appearance and engaging behavior attract dedicated dwarf cichlid enthusiasts.
Tank Requirements
A pair or harem of Apistogramma eunotus (one male and 2–3 females) requires a tank of at least 80 liters. For a community setup with other species, a 100-liter or larger tank is preferable.
Optimal water parameters:
- Temperature: 24–28 °C
- pH: 5.0–7.0
- Hardness (GH): 2–10
An important characteristic of this species is its preference for soft, slightly acidic water. In hard, alkaline water, the fish become pale, lethargic, and prone to disease. Use RO water or peat filtration to maintain appropriate parameters.
The aquarium should be set up as a forest stream biotope: soft sandy substrate, abundant driftwood, and scattered leaf litter (oak, Indian almond). The leaf litter not only creates a natural environment but also acidifies the water, releasing beneficial humic substances. Live plants — cryptocorynes, anubias, Java moss — provide cover and visual barriers between territories. Each female needs her own cave: a coconut shell, ceramic tube, or rock crevice.
Lighting should be subdued — floating plants (water lettuce, salvinia) will help create shaded areas. Water flow should be minimal.
Feeding and Diet
Apistogramma eunotus is an omnivorous species with a strong preference for protein-rich foods. In the wild, they feed on small crustaceans, insect larvae, and microfauna living in leaf litter.
In the aquarium, the base diet consists of high-quality small cichlid pellets or flakes, but live and frozen foods are critically important for bringing out coloration and maintaining health:
- Brine shrimp — a primary live food, accepted with great enthusiasm
- Daphnia — beneficial for digestion and bloat prevention
- Bloodworms — a high-calorie treat, offer 1–2 times per week
- Cyclops — ideal due to their small size
- Grindal worms — excellent for conditioning fish for spawning
Feed twice a day in small portions. A. eunotus are active bottom feeders that methodically sift through sand in search of food. Make sure food sinks to the bottom and isn't intercepted by faster swimmers in the upper layers.
Care and Maintenance
The care level for A. eunotus is moderate. This species is more demanding regarding water parameters than some other apistogrammas and does not tolerate neglected water quality.
Key recommendations:
- Water changes: 20–25% weekly, using soft water with matching parameters
- Filtration: gentle, without strong current — a sponge filter or air-driven filter is preferable to powerful canister filters
- Substrate: regularly vacuum the sandy bottom, but carefully — don't disturb the leaf litter layer
- Parameter monitoring: check pH and hardness weekly, keep nitrates below 20 mg/L
A healthy A. eunotus is active during the day, curiously explores its territory, and displays rich coloration. Fading colors, clamped fins, loss of appetite, or constant hiding are warning signs that require an immediate water parameter check.
Compatibility
Apistogramma eunotus is a moderately territorial species, especially during breeding. With proper tankmate selection, it works well in a community aquarium.
Ideal companions are small, schooling fish from the upper and middle water layers that prefer soft water:
- Neon Tetra and Cardinal Tetra — a classic pairing with apistogrammas
- Dwarf Pencilfish — a calm upper-level swimmer
- Ember Tetra — a peaceful nano tetra
- Pygmy Corydoras — a miniature bottom dweller that won't compete for territory
- Otocinclus — a peaceful algae eater
It is strongly advised against keeping them with other apistogramma species — territorial conflicts are inevitable. Also avoid large, active, and aggressive fish. The optimal group is one male with 2–3 females. Two males will only coexist in a spacious tank of 150 liters or more with abundant hiding spots and visual barriers.
Breeding
Breeding Apistogramma eunotus in a home aquarium is accessible to aquarists with moderate experience. This species is a cave spawner, and under the right conditions, it breeds readily.
To stimulate spawning:
- Raise the temperature to 26–28 °C
- Reduce water hardness to a minimum (GH 2–4)
- Maintain pH in the 5.5–6.5 range
- Provide each female with a separate shelter
- Increase feeding with live foods
A female ready to spawn develops a vivid yellow coloration, actively lures the male to her cave, and deposits 50–100 eggs on the ceiling of the shelter. After spawning, the female takes full responsibility for the clutch: she fans the eggs, removes dead ones, and fiercely guards the nest from everyone, including the male.
The larvae hatch in 2–3 days, and the fry become free-swimming around day 5–7. First foods should include artemia nauplii and infusoria. The female continues to lead her school of fry around the tank for several weeks, teaching them to find food and hide from danger. For better fry survival, it is recommended to remove the male and other fish or use a separate breeding tank.