Brevis Dwarf Cichlid

About

Found only in the Uaupés River basin of Brazil, this compact dwarf cichlid, Apistogramma brevis, has a notably restricted natural range. Wild specimens have never been encountered outside that region. It carries the designation A168 within the apisto numbering system and serves as the defining species of the brevis group, a distinction that makes it of particular interest to dedicated cichlid keepers. In the aquarium it can work well in a community setting alongside small tetras, rasboras, and peaceful catfish like corydoras, though things shift noticeably when breeding kicks in. Males can become pushy toward females during this period, so keeping a harem arrangement, one male to three or more females, helps distribute that attention and reduces stress on any individual fish. Caves are essential, both as spawning sites and as territory anchors for each female. Spawning itself happens inside the cave, with the female taking sole responsibility for guarding the eggs and then the fry. She becomes genuinely bold at this stage and will not hesitate to chase off intruders, including the male himself. Eggs typically hatch within three days, and the fry are free-swimming shortly after. Breeding is achievable but works best with soft, acidic water, placing this species firmly in intermediate territory rather than a first cichlid choice.