bujurqui

Scientific name Apistogramma barlowi
Descriptor Römer & Hahn
Year of description 2008
IUCN category LC
Family Cichlidae
Genus Apistogramma
Apistogramma barlowi Apistogramma barlowi

Introduction

Apistogramma barlowi, commonly known as bujurqui, is a fresh water fish from the Amérique du Sud.

Who is it?

Genus Apistogramma

In 2019 according to Fishbase, 89 species belong to genus Apistogramma. Fishes of this genus all belong to the „dwarf cichlids“ family. As a reminder, cichlids are one of the main freshwater families. Most of the Apistogramma fishes measure less than 10 cm, which is why they have been attributed the adjective „dwarf“.

Into the wild, these fishes can be found in almost the entire neotropical realm, east of the Andes, with a high concentration in the Amazon Basin. Most of them live in highly localized and isolated areas, in drainage systems of lowlands tropical rainforests and in open savannas around the Amazone, Orinoco and Paraguay rivers areas. Some species are widespread such as A.agassiziiA. bitaeniataA. cacatuoides or A. trifasciata.

Other species with a narrow geographic distribution are particularly threatened by rapid environmental changes and could be affected by forest degradation or dam construction.

Apistogramma fishes generally inhabit edges of streams or rivers, in waters of shallow depth and with leaf litter on the bottom. They can be found in all kinds of waters (clear waters, dark waters, white water streams). These territorial small fishes take good care of their offsprings. Sociability varies from one species to the other.

In these characteristic environments, they swim along various species of tetras, pencil fishes, Corydoras fishes and Loricariidae. Others cichlids also inhabit this kind of habitat.

It is clear that some species have not been described to date. Researches are ongoing in order to further refine information on this genus. Three main subgroups of Apistogramma fishes have been identified: the steindachneri, the agassizii and the regani lineages. Despite strong similarities between certain species, hybridization risks are very low. Wild females are very picky and a study shows that they recognize males from a same territory and will choose them in order to reproduce.

This genus is considered as the sister clade of the Taeniacara genus.

Morphology

  • Type
  • Average size
    5 cm
  • Maximum size
    7 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Type
  • Average size
    5 cm
  • Maximum size
    7 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year
  • Shape
    Oval

How to recognize the bujurqui ?

The bujurqui measures between 5 and 7 cm.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living as a couple
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The bujurqui is a fish living as a couple naturally found near the bottom. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency .

This species is territorial and does not appreciate the presence of intruders nearby, especially animals with similar behavior. It can also be virulent toward conspecifics. However, the bujurqui has little concern for non-territorial animals.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare incubateur buccal

The bujurqui is a fish ovipare incubateur buccal.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 29 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    5 - 6.5
  • gh (hardness)
    1 - 5
  • Flow
    Strong

Biotope presentation

The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".

The bujurqui prefers well oxygenated waters in current areas and rapids. It frequents fast flowing waters where the bottom is strewn with pebbles, wood or leaves carried by the current. It can be found not far from waterfalls and in mossy areas nearby.

This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    90 liters
  • Population min
    2
  • Temperature
    22 - 29 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    5 - 6.5

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    moderate
  • Robustness
    sensible
  • Behaviour
    slightly aggressive
  • Availability
    occasional

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for the bujurqui

The bujurqui is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 29 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 32°C for long periods. The bujurqui is sensitive to abrupt changes in parameters as well as to chemicals. Its acclimation in an aquarium must be done with special care to prevent it from developing diseases or weaknesses. Nitrate levels should remain below 25mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.

The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals. This animal is somewhat more sensitive than others to environmental influences and water quality.

This species is generally available in specialized shops or from aquarium clubs. Specimens that have been bred for a long time are easier to breed, but special water parameters must be respected.

Cohabitation & Environment

In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 90 liters.

The bujurqui may show signs of aggression. In general, this species should not be mixed with large territorial species or other overly aggressive species, in order to avoid possible stress or even injury.

However, it can coexist with other species with a peaceful temperament and with some slightly territorial neighbors, as far as the volume of the aquarium allows. It is important to avoid that two territorial species share the same living area in an aquarium of insufficient volume.

As previously said, The bujurqui is a species that lives naturally in the current. Thus, we advise the installation of an oversized filtration system (10 to 20 times the volume of the tank) in order to guarantee a strong current and especially a strong oxygenation. A venturi system will improve the dissolved oxygen rate during summer.

The species enjoys a particularly vegetation-rich environment. The addition of plants will provide many useful hiding places for resting. These areas are also conducive to possible breeding in the aquarium. Floating plants such as Salvinia can be added to recreate the subdued atmosphere characteristic of its living conditions in the wild.

Acid Water Maintenance

The bujurqui living naturally in acidic water, generally in "black" or "sieved" water, the implementation of a filtration on peat is ideal for its balance. Adding decaying leaves and alder fruit can significantly improve living conditions by naturally increasing acidity of some water.

Tips for feeding

The bujurqui is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.

Food recommendations from our partner JBL - Products PRONOVO

Reproduction protocol

  • Maintenance difficulty
    hard
  • egg-laying protection
    Yes

Reproduction of this species in an aquarium is considered hard. Ideally, it takes place at a temperature of around 28 ° C for a pH of 5.5 .

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

These animals might interest you

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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