Family: Cichlidae
MacMaster's dwarf cichlid — a Cichlidae from South America, feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Reaches 4.1–6.1 cm; pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. 23–30 °C.
A Cichlidae species native to South America: Apistogramma macmasteri lives bottom-dwelling over lakes and slow rivers with structure. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Adults reach 4.1–6.1 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Apistogramma species we profile, alongside Apistogramma cacatuoides, Apistogramma agassizii, Apistogramma borellii.
Difficulty: moderate. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines.
Hold 23–30 °C and keep it stable — 23–30 °C recorded range. Heater required for stable tropical warmth.
Expect 4.1–6.1 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 45 L tank or larger gives it room.
Hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance; pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. Good company: Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank. Keep away from Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted.
Comes from South America: lakes and slow rivers with structure. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Both parents guard eggs and fry for weeks. Often striking; males larger and brighter.