Nijssen's Dwarf Cichlid — a Cichlidae from Amazon basin, South America, territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Reaches 2.9–4.3 cm; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. 23–30 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–30 °C
pH
5–5.6
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
2.9–4.3 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace
Origin
Amazon basin, South America
Species overview
Apistogramma nijsseni, a member of the family Cichlidae, is native to Amazon basin, South America. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 2.9–4.3 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 23–30 °C at pH 5–5.6. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
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