Why You'll Love Apistogramma

• Beautiful dwarf cichlids with bold colour and character
• Great feature fish for planted and natural-style aquariums
• Interesting behaviour, especially during courtship and breeding
• Suitable for many peaceful community tanks
• Available in popular varieties such as Cacatuoides, Agassizii, Macmasteri, Borellii and more

Creating the Ideal Apistogramma Home

Tank Size

A pair or small group of Apistogramma should be kept in an aquarium of at least 40–60 litres. Larger tanks are recommended if keeping multiple males or a community setup.

Temperature

Most Apistogramma prefer warm tropical water around 24–28°C. Stable temperatures are important, especially for breeding and long-term health.

Water Quality

Apistogramma do best in clean, stable and mature aquariums. Many species prefer soft, slightly acidic water, although captive-bred fish are often more adaptable.

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ideally below 20 ppm
• pH: commonly 6.0–7.5, depending on species and strain

Filtration

Use gentle but effective filtration. Sponge filters, hang-on filters with reduced flow, or canister filters with spray bars work well. Avoid strong current, as Apistogramma usually prefer calmer areas near the bottom of the tank.

Substrate

Fine sand is ideal, as Apistogramma often sift through the substrate while foraging. Darker substrates can also help bring out their colours and create a more natural environment.

Hides & Decoration

Provide plenty of structure and hiding spots. Driftwood, leaf litter, caves, coconut huts, rockwork and dense planting all help reduce stress and create natural territories.

Feeding Apistogramma

Apistogramma are micro-predators and enjoy a varied diet. Offer high-quality small pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, blackworms and other suitable frozen or live foods.

Feed small portions once or twice daily, only giving what they can consume within a few minutes.

Suitable Tank Mates

Apistogramma can live with peaceful community fish when the aquarium is properly planned. Suitable tank mates may include small tetras, pencilfish, rasboras, corydoras and other peaceful species.

Avoid aggressive fish, fin nippers or large species that may outcompete them for food. During breeding, Apistogramma may become territorial, especially around caves or fry.