Remarks: Apistogramma ortegai have a complicated history. Locals have caught fish from multiple locations and added them to the existing population near their exporting facilities, resulting in a strain that has been slightly hybridized over the years. We have called these A. sp. ortegai from Pebas, referring to their catch location and probable identity. A sandy substrate is necessary due to their earth-eating habits. The tank should be furnished with several caves or nooks to protect and spawn in. Cichlid caves, overturned flower pots, and leaf litter work well. Breeding is achieved by feeding live baby brine shrimp to an adult pair and providing a proper tank setup. Fry are guarded by one or both parents for several weeks. Dither fish such as small tetras and livebearers can be used to provide parents with targets to chase. Scientific Name: Apistogramma sp. ortegai "Pebas" Common Name: Max Size: 3" pH: 5.0-7.5 Hardness: Soft Temperature: 70-82° Aggressiveness: Peaceful Region of Origin: South America Captive Bred or Wild: Wild Caught Diet: Small flake or pellet, small frozen or live foods Compatibility: Schooling fish, plecos, small catfish, livebearers, rainbowfish. Tank Mate Options: Cardinal Tetra Super Red Bushynose Pleco Phoenix Tetra
