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Apistogramma Agassizi 



C. J. HEEDE 



Apistogramma agassizi 



The Amazon 



In South America the cichlids, in untold 

 numbers of species, are analogous to the 

 sunfishes of the northern continent and 

 in general surpass them in those features 

 dear to the aquarist — interesting breeding 

 habits and attractive colors. Not the 

 least is Apistogramma agassizi (syn. 

 Heterogramma agassizi) of the Amazon. 

 Here is a gorgeously colored fish which 

 possesses the added attractions of small 

 size (about 2 inches) and the character- 

 istic breeding habits of the family. 



With any species of fish it is of prime 

 importance to the aquarist to know the 

 distinguishing features of the sexes. In 

 this connection our subject is eminently 

 satisfactory. The male averages larger 



than his consort, is much more brightly 

 colored and, above all, bears a tail fin 

 differing in contour. The central rays 

 are prolonged after the manner of Polya- 

 canthus cupanus, whereas in the female 

 the rays are alike in length, giving the fin 

 an unbroken outline. 



The color pattern is quite complex, and 

 is persistent and not merely donned dur- 

 ing the nuptial season. From the head to 

 the tip of the caudal rays runs a black- 

 brown stripe. Posteriorly this is bor- 

 dered by scales of bright blue, while for- 

 ward and above appears yellow. From 

 the eyes extend lines of blue. The black 

 is dark violet and the abdomen light rose. 

 The dorsal fin is violet and bluish white 



