Jutai

About

Apistogramma sp. kelleri is one of several undescribed members of a genus that already numbers around 70 valid species, with many more waiting to be formally named. This fish originates from small jungle streams near Leticia, Colombia, in the so-called Tres Fronteras region where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil converge along the upper Amazon basin. It surfaced in the hobby around 2008, and early confusion over its collection locality, variously listed as the Río Jutai in Brazil and later corrected back to the Leticia area, means it still circulates under trade names like 'Jutai', 'diamond face', and 'Leticia'. What really sets this species apart from most other Apistogramma is its breeding strategy. It is a facultative mouthbrooder, meaning it can shift between depositing eggs in a shallow pit in the substrate and actually carrying them in the mouth. And either parent, or both, may take on that role depending on conditions like water flow and substrate type. This kind of plasticity is extremely rare in the genus, shared only with A. barlowi. In terms of day-to-day keeping, it is relatively tolerant toward its own kind compared to many Apistogramma, though mixing it with other species in the genus is still best avoided. Small, peaceful dither fish make good tankmates. Soft, acidic water is important for long-term health.