Family: Cichlidae
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.
Apistogramma nijsseni is a Cichlidae from Amazon basin, South America. In the wild it prefers lakes and slow rivers with structure; in the aquarium it stays territorial. Plan on 2.9–4.3 cm of adult fish at 23–30 °C. Related profiles: Apistogramma cacatuoides, Apistogramma agassizii, Apistogramma borellii.
A moderate-level species: territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 23–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 5–5.6, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.
Expect 2.9–4.3 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Recommended tankmates: Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below. Avoid Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly.
Native to Amazon basin, South America, where it lives in lakes and slow rivers with structure. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence. Often striking; males larger and brighter.