Reproductive aspects of the dwarf cichlid Apistogramma agassizii under captive conditions

Abstract

Apistogramma agassizii is a native fish from the Amazon basin, which is of great interest for fishkeeping and is supplied to the retail trade from extractivism. Knowledge about the reproductive characteristics of this fish is fundamental to successful breeding. Objective: This work aimed to study the behavior and reproductive performance of this species in white and black aquariums. A total of 16 pairs were used, 8 in each treatment. The system had water recirculation, with fresh and inert food supply. Result: The fish demonstrated parental care, more accentuated by the female and partial spawning. The same coloration pattern was observed in both treatments, with coloration intensifying only during spawning. The eggs were adhesive and U-shaped/oval. The females followed the larvae, even after they left the nests, and attacked the males when they approached the offspring. Males exhibited territorial behavior. No significant differences were observed for the following parameters studied: largest and smallest egg size, spawning weight, absolute fecundity, number of hatched larvae, and hatchability rate. Conclusion: This study found that the fish are prolific and show good reproductive rates in conditions of captivity; thus, they are suitable to rear for the ornamental fish trade.