Apistogramma mendezi

Apistogramma mendezi was described in 1994 from a stream near Barcelos in Brazil; fish that reach the trade are mostly collected further upstream around Santa Isabel and São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Along the male's light brown body runs a broad dark band from the eye to the tail, with a second line along the belly below it; the pelvic and anal fins are bluish and the dorsal fin is in red–yellow–blue tones. The dark lines on the tail are horizontal in some populations and vertical in others; an "orange" form with an orange belly is also known.

• At least 60 liters for one male and two females; a cave for each female.
• 26–28°C, pH 4.5–6, GH 1–3; RO water, dried leaves and roots for blackwater conditions.
• Dim light, fine sand; small, regular water changes.

Carnivorous. Small live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia, fine bloodworms) should be the staple; it accepts granules over time.

It sets up a territory on the bottom; the female tends the eggs and fry in the cave alone and becomes aggressive during this period. In a small aquarium the male may need to be removed. It gets along well with calm blackwater fish.

Good companions: cardinal tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, small blackwater rasboras.

Avoid: hard-water species, large cichlids, shrimp breeding, other Apistogramma males.