Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas' Rare, beautifully patterned and highly sought after, Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas' is an undescribed South American dwarf cichlid prized for its vibrant colours, elegant finnage and engaging personality. Named after the Pebas region of Peru, this stunning species is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a unique and rewarding centrepiece for a planted or blackwater aquarium. Quick Facts Scientific name: Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas' Common name: Pebas Dwarf Cichlid Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm Adult size: Males 7–8 cm, females 4–5 cm Tank size: 60L+ for a pair Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate to Advanced Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding Best kept: As a compatible pair or one male with multiple females in larger aquariums Is this for you? ✔️ Perfect if: You enjoy collecting uncommon Apistogramma species. You keep a planted or blackwater aquarium. You appreciate natural colours and fascinating behaviours. You enjoy breeding South American dwarf cichlids. ❌ Avoid if: You keep large or aggressive cichlids. You cannot provide caves and sheltered territories. Your aquarium has unstable water conditions. You keep highly active fish that may stress dwarf cichlids. Why choose Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas'? Collected from the waterways surrounding Pebas in the Peruvian Amazon, this undescribed species is admired for its beautiful combination of iridescent blue highlights, warm yellow tones and elegant fin extensions. Mature males become especially impressive as they develop richer colouration and elongated finnage, while females display brilliant yellow breeding colours when guarding eggs and fry. Like other Apistogramma, this species is constantly exploring its surroundings, weaving through driftwood, leaf litter and plants in search of food. Their inquisitive nature and complex social interactions make them fascinating fish to observe every day. Although still relatively uncommon in the aquarium hobby, Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas' is becoming increasingly popular among collectors who appreciate naturally occurring species over selectively bred strains. Benefits Rare and desirable undescribed Apistogramma species Beautiful natural blue and yellow colouration Elegant elongated finnage Excellent personality and interactive behaviour Outstanding centrepiece for Amazon-style aquariums Interesting breeding and parental care behaviours Care made simple Temperature: 24–28°C pH: 5.5–7.0 Diet: Premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other quality live or frozen foods Water: Soft, clean and stable with gentle filtration Substrate: Fine sand is highly recommended Setup: Driftwood, caves, leaf litter, botanicals, dense planting and shaded areas Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes. Provide multiple caves and visual barriers to minimise territorial behaviour during breeding. Pairs perfectly with Cardinal Tetras Rummy Nose Tetras Ember Tetras Otocinclus Small Corydoras species NTA Insight: Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas' performs best in aquariums that closely resemble the quiet Amazonian streams from which it originates. Fine sand, driftwood, leaf litter and tannin-stained water encourage natural behaviours while bringing out the species' subtle iridescent colours. Given time and stable water conditions, mature males become truly spectacular display fish. FAQ Why is it called Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas'? The species is named after the Pebas region in the Peruvian Amazon where it originates. The "sp." designation indicates it is an undescribed or informally recognised species. Is Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas' suitable for community aquariums? Yes. They are generally peaceful and do well with small South American schooling fish and peaceful bottom dwellers. Territorial behaviour is usually limited to breeding. Can they breed in captivity? Yes. They are cave spawners, with females guarding the eggs and fry while males defend the surrounding territory. Do they require soft water? They perform best in soft, slightly acidic water, although captive-bred specimens may adapt to stable neutral conditions. What should I feed them? A varied diet of premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and occasional live foods helps maintain excellent colour, health and breeding condition. Can they live with shrimp? Adult shrimp may coexist in larger aquariums, but shrimp fry are likely to become prey. They are not recommended for dedicated shrimp breeding aquariums. How long do they live? With excellent care, stable water quality and a varied nutritious diet, Apistogramma sp. 'Pebas' typically live between 3 and 5 years.
