Inka 50 Apisto (Apistogramma baenschi) Pair

Common Name

Inka Apisto, Apistogramma “Inka 50”

Origin and Habitat

Native to Peru in the upper Amazon basin, Apistogramma baenschi inhabits quiet tributaries, forest streams, and seasonally flooded leaf litter zones connected to the Huallaga and nearby drainages. Water is warm, clean, and usually soft with low mineral content. Flow is gentle under canopy shade. The bottom is leaf litter, fine sand, and tangled roots that create a maze of hiding spots, perfect for a small cave spawning cichlid.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred temperature is 76 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C). Wild waters are often soft and mildly acidic, sometimes very low in minerals. In aquaria, stable conditions are more important than chasing exact numbers, except when you follow a specific breeding plan. Aim for soft to moderate hardness, near neutral to mildly acidic pH, high oxygen, gentle filtration, and a calm surface. Leaf litter and botanicals help create comfort and micro life.

Appearance and Size

Males show a bold mask on the face, extended dorsal lappets, and bright orange to red in the dorsal and tail, with a contrasting dark pattern along the flank. Females are smaller, turn rich yellow in brood dress, and display a dark lateral band when guarding.

• Adult males: about 7–8 cm (2.75–3.25 inches)
• Females: about 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)

Diet in the Wild

A micro predator that hunts among leaves and roots for insect larvae, tiny crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates.

Feeding in Captivity

Use a quality micro pellet or fine granule as the staple, then layer in live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and chopped blackworms. Rotate items to keep condition high and colors vibrant. Offer small portions twice daily so food does not collect in caves or leaf litter.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Generally peaceful dwarf cichlid with strong parenting instincts.

• A 20 gallon long is a good footprint for a pair; a larger tank supports a harem with one male and two females.
• Use fine sand, leaf litter, wood, and multiple snug caves (coconut shells, small clay pots on their sides, or tight rock crevices).
• Provide sight breaks so fish can pass without constant contact.
• Calm midwater neighbors: pencilfish, hatchetfish, small rasboras, or tetras.
• Avoid boisterous species and known fin nippers.

Breeding

Conditioning and pairing: Start with a conditioned pair or a single male with two females in a larger tank. Feed small live and frozen foods daily and keep water very clean. Many breeders report stronger hatch rates in soft, slightly acidic water with very low dissolved solids.

Caves and territory: Provide several tight caves with small entrances, each facing a different direction and tucked under wood or leaves. The female chooses a cave and will lead the male during courtship.

Spawning and egg care: The female lays an adhesive clutch on the roof or wall of the cave. The male fertilizes and then patrols the territory while the female fans and guards constantly. Keep light subdued and maintain steady temperature.

Hatching timeline: At warm temperatures, eggs typically hatch in a few days. Larvae remain in the cave while absorbing their yolk. When free-swimming, the female escorts a tight school close to cover; the male defends the perimeter.

Raising fry: Begin with infusoria or cultured Paramecium, then move quickly to newly hatched brine shrimp and fine powdered fry food. Feed tiny portions several times daily. Perform small daily water changes with matching water and keep parameters steady. In a harem layout, provide many caves and dense sight breaks to reduce female competition.

Line quality and selection: Choose breeders with strong color in dorsal and tail, straight spines, even fin edges, and confident behavior. Avoid mixing with other morphs to preserve the classic Inka look.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Apistogramma baenschi
• Common name: Inka Apisto, Apistogramma “Inka 50”
• Origin: Peru, upper Amazon basin tributaries and leaf litter streams
• Adult size: males about 7–8 cm, females about 5–6 cm
• Temperature: 76–80 °F preferred
• Wild pH: often mildly acidic with very low mineral content; stability in captivity is most important
• Temperament: generally peaceful dwarf cichlid, territorial during breeding
• Diet: micro predator, accepts quality prepared foods with live and frozen supplements
• Breeding type: cave spawner with strong maternal care, male provides territory defense

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Apistogramma baenschi brings big personality in a small package. The male flags those dramatic dorsal lappets like a parade, the female turns brilliant yellow and becomes a fearless parent, and the fry school tightly under her watch. Give them soft sand, tight caves, and steady water, and they repay you with courtship and family life that is addictive to watch.