Re: Shorelines vs. open water

[Marco Lacerda <marcolacerda@ax.apc.org>]

IDMiamiBob@aol.com wrote:
> 
> This question is aimed at folks like Marco Lacerda, who have had the
> priveledge of collecting a number of Apistos in their native habitats.
> I have always assumed because of their size and demeanor that most species of
> Apistos prefer and tend to inhabit lakeshores and riverbanks, rather than the
> open water areas in the middle.  It is only in the last few days that I have
> realized that it is indeed an assumption.  Can anyone confirm or deny this
> idea?  

Dear Bob,
In natural biotopes, Apistogramma spp. mostly can be found in a variety 
of water collections, like:

a) larger river shores, specially when there is a LEAF LITTER on the 
bottom (they particulary like the dead leaves, and hide under them when 
frightened);
b) small brooks emptying in larger rivers (named "igarapes" in Amazon). 
There you find them hidden under the leaf litter, or aquatic vegetation;
c) big lakes shores, but not on the very shallow part (which becomes 
warmer), shallower parts are preferred by dwarf cichlids like Laetacara 
spp. There they can be found among the vegetation, like submersed grass.
d) temporary pools inside forested areas, formed by the overflow of the 
main river or an igarape crossing the forest. This is the typical 
biotope for some very shy species, like A. paucisquamis and A. pulchra 
(real one).

>It seems to me that this information could influence our "tank decor"
> and help our charges to overcome their shyness.

You're right with your assumption that they don't like the 'openwater' 
of the big water collections. There they could be easy preys for larger 
fishes.
You can use things like a leaf litter on the bottom of your tank (as 
suggested by Stawikowski in the book 'The Biotope Aquarium', page 79), 
compact groups of short aquatic plants (like Anubias nana, Lilaeopsis 
brasiliensis or Echinodorus tenellus), bogwoods with holes and hiding 
places, etc. 
For shyness some dither fishes like small top-dwelling Characiformes 
(Carnegiella, Nannostomus, Mimagoniates, etc.) are fine.  This simulate 
situation on nature when the Apistos 'wait' for any reaction of the 
tetras to hide or start moving activities.
For species from 'forested areas' I would strongly recomend that you 
don't use direct light, or cover the aquarium surface with floating 
plants like Ceratopteris (water fern) or Nymphea.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              !
!
!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               !
!
!
                                                           !
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

> Bob Dixon

All the best, and good luck.
Marco.