A male finished with a pointed spade-shaped tail edged in fire, in colour lines that run from blue to red to fine gold. The female turns bright yellow with a black mask when she has eggs to defend.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Ich (white spot)
- Fin rot
- Swim bladder disorder
Care at a glance
- ExerciseModerate
An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.
- GroomingAttentive tank care
Sensitive to water quality โ stay on top of testing and maintenance.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceSome experience helps
A little know-how makes life smoother.
- Commitment4โ6 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Ich (white spot) ยท Fin rot ยท Swim bladder disorder
๐ Care guide
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii) comes from blackwater and clearwater tributaries across the Amazon basin and reaches about 8 cm for males and 5 cm for females. Its distinguishing feature is the pointed spade-shaped caudal fin; colour varies enormously by origin, with red, blue, gold and double-red lines all in the trade. The male holds a territory containing several females, each with her own cave. A harem of one male and two or three females needs 100 litres or more at 24-28C in soft, acidic to neutral water, pH 5.5 to 7.0, with leaf litter, driftwood, dim light and one small cave per female. Feed frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp, daphnia and micro pellets; it often refuses dry food at first. Females become fiercely protective of a brood and will drive the male off, so give the tank enough footprint for him to retreat. It is peaceful with small mid-water fish such as pencilfish or small tetras, and its main risks are hard alkaline water and nitrate build-up rather than tankmates.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid?
Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.
How much maintenance does a Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid need?
Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality โ stay on top of testing and maintenance.
What tank size does a Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid a good fit for first-time owners?
Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.
How long do Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid live?
4โ6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid?
Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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