Viejita - Apistogramma viejita

Scientific name: Apistogramma viejita

Common name: Viejita

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 8 cm (2.36 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.5 - 6.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 2 - 10°N (35.71 - 178.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 28 °C (77 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and Feeding

The Viejita cichlid (Apistogramma viejita) thrives on a varied diet that includes both prepared and live foods. While high-quality flake or pellet food can serve as the staple of their diet, it's crucial to supplement this with more nutritious options to meet their protein needs. Regularly offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. These protein-rich foods help maintain their health, enhance their natural coloration, and stimulate natural foraging behaviors.

It's also beneficial to occasionally provide vegetable matter in the form of blanched spinach or spirulina flakes, which help round out their diet and promote overall vitality. Feed them small amounts two to three times daily, ensuring that all food is consumed within a few minutes to prevent water contamination.

Origin

The Viejita cichlid is native to the slow-moving, shallow waters of South America, specifically in the Amazon River Basin. They are most commonly found in areas with soft, acidic water, rich in organic material and leaf litter. These environments provide them with ample hiding places and opportunities to hunt for small invertebrates. In the wild, Viejitas often inhabit shaded areas under overhanging vegetation, where the water is calm and filled with decomposing plant material, which further acidifies the water.

Sexing

Distinguishing between male and female Viejitas can be challenging when they are juveniles, as they look similar in size and coloration. As they mature, males become noticeably more colorful, often displaying bright reds, yellows, and blues, particularly around their head, fins, and body. Males also develop a more pronounced, elongated dorsal fin. Females tend to be smaller and have a more subdued, pale coloration, especially outside of the breeding season. During spawning, females' colors can become slightly more vibrant as they prepare to lay eggs.

Breeding

Apistogramma viejita are cave-spawning fish, and they require soft, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5 - 6.5) to breed successfully. Frequent small water changes and a slight drop in temperature can often encourage spawning. The ideal breeding setup includes small caves or crevices created with rocks, coconut shells, or upturned plant pots, where the female can lay her eggs.

Once the female lays approximately 40 eggs, she will guard the clutch within the cave, fanning the eggs to ensure proper oxygenation. Meanwhile, the male will defend the surrounding territory to prevent other fish from approaching. The eggs typically hatch within 3-5 days, and the fry become free-swimming after another 5-7 days. At this point, you can start feeding them with newly hatched brine shrimp or fine powdered fry food.

To increase the survival rate of the fry, it’s important to maintain low lighting and plenty of hiding places in the tank. The female will continue protecting the fry for several weeks, leading them to safer areas when threatened.

Lifespan

The typical lifespan of Apistogramma viejita is between 2 to 3 years in captivity. However, with optimal care, including stable water conditions, a nutrient-rich diet, and a stress-free environment, some individuals can live up to 4 years. Ensuring that the water is well-maintained, with regular water changes and proper filtration, will contribute to their longevity.

Tank Requirements

Viejitas require a well-planted tank with both open swimming areas and densely vegetated regions for hiding. Plants such as Amazon swords, Java moss, and Cryptocoryne are ideal for creating these secure zones. These cichlids feel most comfortable in a naturalistic setup that mimics their wild habitat, with soft, slightly acidic water and plenty of leaf litter or driftwood to soften the water further and provide more hiding spots.

Given their small size and peaceful temperament, Viejitas are suitable for community tanks, provided that they are housed with other non-aggressive species. However, they are best kept in a harem system, with one male and 3-4 females, to mimic their natural social structure and reduce stress. The minimum tank size should be around 60 liters (~16 gallons) for a small group, but a larger tank is preferable for long-term care and to accommodate their territorial behaviors during breeding.

Short Description

The Viejita cichlid (Apistogramma viejita) is a peaceful, visually captivating species from the Amazon River Basin in South America. Known for their vibrant colors, especially in males, Viejitas are highly sought after by aquarists. They are best kept in planted aquariums with soft, acidic water and thrive when kept in groups with a harem structure (one male to multiple females). These small, easy-to-care-for cichlids make an excellent addition to community tanks, adding both beauty and intrigue with their vibrant colors and dynamic behaviors.

Thanks to Jan Wirén for the picture.