Species profile

Amazon Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma pertensis

Common names: Amazon Dwarf Cichlid, Pertensis Dwarf Cichlid

Recognized speciesCichlids

Adult size

Up to 6 cm

Typical adult length 4–6 cm.

Up to 6 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Mature planted aquarium setups
Intermediate shrimp keepers
Peaceful nano aquariums

Think carefully if

The aquarium contains shrimp-eating fish
The tank is newly cycled
Water conditions change frequently

A slender dwarf cichlid from the lower Rio Negro and central Amazon system. Apistogramma pertensis prefers soft acidic water, fine substrate, dense cover, and carefully separated cave territories.

Appearance and Identification

A slender-bodied Apistogramma with a dark lateral band, a small caudal-peduncle mark, and blue, yellow, or reddish iridescence in adult males. Females are smaller and develop yellow-and-black brood colour.

Distinguish it from similar pertensis-group species by the complete pattern of lateral band, abdominal markings, caudal spot, fin shape, and collection locality. Commercial fish without locality data may be difficult to identify confidently.

Males are larger, more elongated, and have longer dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Females are smaller, rounder through the abdomen, and turn bright yellow with black markings during brood care.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 120–180 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 50–100 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 60 litres
Minimum tank length: 60 cm
Minimum group size: 2
Recommended group size: 3
Activity level: Moderate
Flow preference: Low
Planting preference: Moderately planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Low

Provide fine sand, leaf litter, wood, shaded planting, and several caves. A pair can use a 60 cm aquarium, while a harem needs additional floor area and one cave territory per female. Gentle filtration is preferred.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A lower-level territorial dwarf cichlid that is generally reserved outside breeding and assertive around caves.

Maintain as a compatible pair or one male with several females in a sufficiently broad aquarium. Each female requires a separate shelter territory.

Females defend eggs and fry intensely, while males patrol a larger area and may harass unreceptive females.

Peaceful pencilfish, hatchetfish, and small tetras can work in a larger display. Avoid other Apistogramma, aggressive fish, crowded bottom dwellers, and ornamental shrimp. Community fish may consume fry.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 23–30 °C
pH: 4.5–6.5
GH: 0–6
KH: 0–3
TDS: 15–120
Stability importance: Important

The species is associated with soft Amazonian water and is best maintained on the acidic side. Captive fish may tolerate moderate mineral content, but breeding is more reliable in low-conductivity water.

Parameter caveat

Avoid abrupt pH and conductivity changes. Lower mineral content gradually and maintain clean water without removing all leaf litter and microbial cover at once.

Feeding

Diet types: Carnivore, Insectivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Live baby brine shrimpA useful conditioning food for adults and a staple for juveniles; rinse before feeding.
Live or frozen daphnia and cyclopsSmall crustacean prey encourages natural hunting and is suitable for regular rotation.
Frozen brine shrimp or mysisOffer thawed portions small enough for the fish to swallow cleanly.
Small carnivore micro-pelletUse as part of a varied diet after the fish accepts prepared food.

A small-invertebrate predator that should receive varied live, frozen, and high-quality prepared foods.

Feed small portions once or twice daily. Newly imported fish may need live or frozen foods before accepting pellets. Avoid a long-term single-food diet.

Breeding

Breeding type: Cave Spawner, Egg Layer
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Breeding temperature: 27 °C
Breeding pH: 5.5
Brood or egg count: About 120 eggs from a mature female under suitable conditions.
Incubation: 3 days
Parental care: Maternal care
Baby foods: Newly hatched brine shrimpPrimary food once fry become free-swimming; feed small rinsed portions several times daily.
MicrowormsUseful supplementary first food for fry feeding close to the substrate.
Paramecium or cultured infusoriaUseful during the first days for fry that cannot yet take baby brine shrimp.
Fine powdered fry foodUse sparingly as a supplement and remove uneaten material.

A cave spawner with maternal brood care. The female deposits eggs on the cave ceiling, tends the clutch, and leads the fry after they become free-swimming. Soft acidic water and varied live foods improve success.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Amazon Basin, Brazil, South America
Natural habitat: Blackwater, Floodplain, Freshwater River
Aquarium contexts: Breeding Aquarium, Freshwater Aquarium, Freshwater Community, Planted Aquarium
Audience level: Intermediate

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Apistogramma
Family: Cichlidae
Species group: Cichlids, Dwarf Cichlids, Fish, South American Cichlids
Previous scientific names: Heterogramma taeniatum pertense, Original taxonomic combination and rank used by Haseman in 1911., Apistogramma pertense, Historic spelling and combination found in older literature.

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Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Think carefully if

Appearance and Identification

Tank Requirements

Behaviour and Tankmates

Water Parameters

Feeding

Breeding

Habitat and Origin

Classification

Have you kept this species?

Other Dwarf Cichlids

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Barlow’s Apistogramma

Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid

Blue Panda Apistogramma

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