Agassiz' dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii)

Family: Cichlidae

Agassiz' dwarf cichlid — a Cichlidae from 南美洲, territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Reaches 3.3–4.8 cm; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. 26–29 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
26–29 °C
pH
5–7
GH hardness
0–12 dGH
Adult length
3.3–4.8 cm
Minimum tank
28 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace
Origin
南美洲

Species overview

Apistogramma agassizii, a member of the family Cichlidae, is native to 南美洲. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 3.3–4.8 cm. A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 26–29 °C at pH 5–7. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.

Native biotope

Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave
Diet
Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets
Recommended tankmates
  • Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below
Avoid keeping with
  • Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Often striking; males larger and brighter
Breeding method
Dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence