1. Introduction
【Child】: “Oh, wise professor, I’ve been reading Plutarch lately and came across a fish that appears to be as colorful as the spring season’s first blossoms. Can you tell me about this fish in orange, purple, and red?”
【Professor】: “Ah, my little Plutarch aficionado, you must be asking about the Apistogramma viejita Redneck, a most charming fish indeed. It’s a dwarf cichlid with captivating colors and a unique personality. Let’s dive into its world and discover its wonders, shall we?”
2. Characteristics
【Child】: “As a connoisseur of the arts, I find the colors of this fish truly mesmerizing. Can you tell me more about how Da Vinci would see them?”
【Professor】: “Ha-ha! Of course, let’s imagine we’re at the feet of the great Leonardo Da Vinci himself. Apistogramma viejita Redneck can reach about 6 – 8 cm in size. It features an orange body with purple hues, a splash of red on the edge of the dorsal fin, and a streak of vibrant blue beneath their eye. Its fantastic colors and shape truly resemble a piece of living artwork. I’m sure Da Vinci would be fascinated by the immense beauty of this fish!”
3. Habitat
【Child】: “My ever-curious mind wonders where these critters might dwell. Could it be in the hypothetical ‘lost city,’ or at the bottom of a loch like good old Nessie?”
【Professor】: “As mysterious as those places may sound, Apistogramma viejita Redneck can be found in the meandering rivers and shallow waters of Colombia and Venezuela. In an aquarium, replicating their natural habitat with soft, acidic water, and tannin-rich vegetation will create a sense of comfort. They occupy the middle and bottom levels of the water column and play an important role in controlling populations of smaller organisms in their ecosystem.”
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: “Professor, I now feel compelled to recreate their home. Can you advise on this endeavor in the spirit of Hippocrates, the father of medicine?”
【Professor】: “Certainly! Now, to ensure a thriving environment, maintain your aquarium at a temperature between 23 – 29°C, pH of 5.0 – 7.0, and water hardness of 50 – 100 ppm. A tank size of at least 100 liters is recommended. Add a sandy substrate, leaf litter, branches, and dense plants to simulate their natural habitat. As for their sustenance, offer them a balanced diet consisting of live, frozen, or dry foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or high-quality flakes.”
5. Behavior
【Child】: “Does our little Apollo possess the ability to dance to the rhythm of undulating waves, or is it a solitary ballet in the water?”
【Professor】: “Ah, Apistogramma viejita Redneck do possess an intriguing ballet-like behavior. They appreciate both solitude and companionship. Although not strictly schooling fish, they do swim playfully with their own kind or other peaceful tankmates. They will, however, fiercely protect their territory during the breeding season.”
6. Breeding
【Child】: “As Shakespeare put it, ‘God, the best maker of all marriages, Combine your hearts in one.’ How do these passionate piscines find one another and ensure their offspring thrive?”
【Professor】: “Apistogramma viejita Redneck follow an intriguing courtship dance before laying eggs. During breeding, keep the water temperature slightly warmer, near 28°C. The female will guard the eggs while the male protects the domain. After about three days, around 50-100 fry will hatch, and you should provide them with essential nourishments like infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp.”
7. Cautions
【Child】: “A beautiful, yet delicate creature portends potential danger. What sorrows might strike Triton’s mighty trident at them in their aquatic paradise?”
【Professor】: While they coexist well with peaceful tankmates, do not pair Apistogramma viejita Redneck with aggressive or considerably larger fish, as they may get stressed or injured. Keep a vigilant eye on water quality, as they are sensitive to poor conditions, and ensure the parameters remain stable.
8. Conclusion
【Child】: “Thank you, dear professor, for acquainting me with such sublime beauty in the aquatic kingdom.”
【Professor】: “You’re welcome, my little scholar! The beauty and uniqueness of the Apistogramma viejita Redneck make them quite a cherished addition to an aquarium. Providing a stable environment and compatible tankmates will ensure their happiness and well-being, allowing you to enjoy their captivating presence.”