Apistogramma iniridae

Apistogramma iniridae takes its name from the Inírida River in Colombia, where it was described. The male's dorsal fin is like a tall sail with connected membranes and has no black at the front; males spread this fin in harmless ranking displays. Color is variable even within the same population: some individuals carry intense orange on the tail, others bluish tones. It is distinguished from its close relative A. uaupesi by its tail, which is not lyre-shaped.

• At least 60 liters for one male and two females; caves and dense plants.
• 26–29°C, pH 4.5–6, GH 1–3; RO water and dried leaves.
• Fine sand, roots, dim light and plenty of hiding places.

Carnivorous. Make small live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia and fine bloodworms the staple; it accepts small granules once accustomed to them.

Competition between males is mostly limited to displays. A female guarding fry, however, can be very aggressive, so a densely planted aquarium with many hiding places is needed. It hunts shrimplets.

Good companions: cardinal tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, small rasboras that tolerate warm water.

Avoid: cool- or hard-water species, large cichlids, shrimp breeding.