Variety of Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid 'Double Red'
Apistogramma agassizii
Origin: South America: Amazon River basin, primarily Brazil and Peru. Inhabits slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, flooded forests (igapó), and blackwater tributaries with soft, tannin-rich, dark 'blackwater.'
Also known as: Agassizi's Apisto, Agassiz's Apistogramma
Fact sheet
- Size
- 9 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Hardness GH
- 2–12 °dH
- Hardness KH
- 0–5 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- Harem
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Displays red coloration on both the dorsal and caudal fins (double red). One of the most popular aquarium strains of the species.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
The male's body is elongate with a characteristic pointed or lyre-shaped caudal fin. Coloration varies strikingly between geographical forms: the base color is silver-blue or golden with bright blue, red, and yellow accents. A dark horizontal stripe runs along the flank. Females are far more subdued — yellowish with dark markings — but acquire a vivid yellow breeding coloration with black patterning when guarding eggs.
Care
Shared with the species: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
A 60-liter aquarium suits a pair; a harem of one male with 2–3 females requires 100–120 liters or more. Water temperature 24–29 °C, pH 4.5–6.8, hardness up to 12 dGH; very soft water is needed for breeding. Regular 30% weekly water changes and efficient, low-flow filtration are essential. Densely plant the aquarium and add driftwood, leaf litter, ceramic caves, and coconut shells for hiding and spawning sites. Nitrate must be kept below 10 mg/L as the species is sensitive to its accumulation.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid is omnivorous with a strong preference for live and frozen foods. In the wild it feeds on small crustaceans, insect larvae, and zooplankton. In the aquarium it eagerly takes bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex worms in live or frozen form. Dry foods (small granules, flakes) are accepted as a supplement but should not form the bulk of the diet. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid is relatively peaceful outside of breeding periods when it becomes territorial. It coexists well with small tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras catfish, otocinclus, and other peaceful Amazonian species. Avoid housing with large aggressive fish or with other male Apistogramma without sufficient space. Two males in the same aquarium will often fight aggressively.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
A cave spawner: the female deposits 50–150 vivid red or orange eggs on the ceiling of a sheltered cavity such as a coconut shell or cave. The female guards eggs and fry intensely while the male defends the surrounding territory. Incubation takes 2–3 days; fry become free-swimming after another 5–7 days. Feed fry with infusoria, newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii, and micro-worms. Soft, acidic water and stable parameters are required for success.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii exhibits temperature-dependent sex determination: at water temperatures above 28 °C, a significantly higher proportion of males are produced in a brood. Coloration is most intense in soft, acidic water closely matching the natural Amazon environment. Numerous geographic color forms exist and are highly prized by specialist collectors worldwide.