Agassiz’s Apistogramma

A slender dwarf cichlid with a dark horizontal flank stripe and strong geographic variation. Adult males usually show extended dorsal and anal fins, a pointed or lance-shaped caudal fin, and combinations of blue, red, yellow, orange, and metallic green. Females are smaller and become yellow with black brood markings.

The species has many geographic populations and captive colour strains. Identify stock by collection locality or strain name where possible. Typical males have a strong lateral stripe and a pointed caudal fin, but colour alone is unreliable because populations vary widely and commercial strains have been selectively bred.

Males are larger, more elongated, and much more colourful, with longer fin extensions and a more pronounced pointed caudal fin. Females are smaller, have shorter rounded fins, and show bright yellow and black brood colour when spawning or guarding fry.

Use a fine sand substrate with wood, roots, leaf litter, plants, and several caves with small entrances. A 60 cm aquarium is a practical minimum for a pair, while a male with two or more females needs more floor space and separate cave territories. Gentle filtration, shaded areas, and visual barriers reduce stress and aggression.

Generally manageable with peaceful upper-water fish outside breeding, but territorial around caves and strongly defensive when eggs or fry are present. Most activity occurs near the bottom and lower levels.

Often kept as a pair or as one male with several females. Each female needs a separate cave territory. Compatibility depends on floor space, visual barriers, individual temperament, and whether the fish are breeding.

Males defend broader territories and may harass unreceptive females. Brooding females defend a smaller area very aggressively and may attack the male or any bottom-dwelling fish approaching the fry.

Suitable companions in a sufficiently large nonbreeding display include small peaceful tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, and other calm upper-water fish. Avoid other Apistogramma, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, and crowded bottom-dwelling communities. Corydoras and plecos may intrude on caves or eat eggs. Ornamental shrimp and shrimplets are unsafe.

Wild populations occur across several Amazonian water types, but the species generally does best in warm, clean water ranging from soft and acidic to moderately mineralised. Wild locality fish and breeding pairs usually require conditions nearer the soft, acidic end of the range. Captive colour strains may be more adaptable.

A micropredatory omnivore with a strong preference for small aquatic invertebrates. Feed varied live, frozen, and high-quality prepared foods sized for its small mouth.

Feed small portions daily and remove uneaten food. Newly imported wild fish may need live or frozen foods before accepting pellets. A varied diet gives better colour, condition, and spawning results than a single dry food.

A polygynous cave spawner. The female attaches eggs to the ceiling or wall of a cave and provides direct care to eggs, larvae, and fry. The male generally defends the outer territory. Soft acidic water and nutritious live foods improve spawning and hatch rate. The female may attack the male after spawning, so the aquarium must provide escape routes.