Apistogramma Agassizi

Description

Apistogramma agassizii (Apistogramma agassizii)

Elegant, colourful and full of character, Apistogramma agassizii, commonly known as Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid, is one of the most iconic South American dwarf cichlids. Renowned for its elongated finnage, fascinating behaviours and stunning natural colour variations, this species is a favourite among aquascapers and cichlid enthusiasts alike.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Apistogramma agassizii
  • Common name: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
  • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
  • Adult size: Males 8–9 cm, females 5–6 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ for a pair
  • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding
  • Best kept: As a compatible pair or one male with multiple females in larger aquariums

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You enjoy keeping South American dwarf cichlids.
  • You have a planted or blackwater aquarium.
  • You appreciate fascinating fish behaviour and breeding displays.
  • You want a colourful centrepiece for a peaceful community aquarium.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep large or aggressive cichlids.
  • You cannot provide hiding places and territories.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
  • You keep very active or boisterous fish that may stress dwarf cichlids.

Why choose Apistogramma agassizii?

Native to the Amazon Basin, Apistogramma agassizii is admired for its graceful body shape, elongated fins and incredible diversity of natural and selectively bred colour forms. Males develop spectacular finnage with vibrant shades of blue, yellow, orange and red depending on their locality or strain, while females display brilliant yellow breeding colours when protecting eggs and fry.

Their inquisitive personality and complex social behaviour make them incredibly rewarding fish to observe. During breeding, females become devoted parents, carefully guarding caves and leading their fry around the aquarium, while males patrol the surrounding territory.

Their manageable size, peaceful nature and striking appearance make them one of the most popular dwarf cichlids available today.

Benefits

  • Beautiful elongated finnage and vibrant colours
  • Fascinating breeding and parental behaviour
  • Excellent centrepiece for planted aquariums
  • Peaceful with suitable community fish
  • Wide range of natural and designer colour forms
  • Ideal for South American biotope aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 5.5–7.0
  • Diet: Premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other live or frozen foods
  • Water: Soft, clean and well-filtered with gentle water movement
  • Substrate: Fine sand is highly recommended
  • Setup: Driftwood, caves, leaf litter, dense planting and open swimming areas
  • Maintain excellent water quality through regular water changes.
  • Provide multiple caves and visual barriers to reduce territorial disputes.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Ember Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
NTA Insight:
Apistogramma agassizii has been a favourite among dwarf cichlid enthusiasts for decades because it combines stunning beauty with fascinating natural behaviour. They thrive in aquariums featuring fine sand, driftwood, leaf litter and gentle filtration. Their colours become richer when fed a varied diet and housed in well-maintained planted aquariums with subdued lighting and natural décor.

FAQ

Are Apistogramma agassizii aggressive?

They are generally peaceful but become territorial when breeding. With suitable tank mates and adequate hiding places, they make excellent community fish.

Can they breed in home aquariums?

Yes. They are cave spawners, with females caring for the eggs and fry while males defend the surrounding territory.

Do they need soft water?

Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal, although many captive-bred fish adapt well to stable neutral conditions.

What should I feed them?

A varied diet including premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia will help maintain excellent health and colour.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp may coexist, but baby shrimp are likely to be preyed upon. They are best kept in community aquariums rather than dedicated shrimp tanks.

How long do they live?

With excellent care, stable water quality and a varied diet, Apistogramma agassizii typically live between 3 and 5 years.

Are they suitable for beginners?

They are best suited to aquarists who can provide stable water conditions and a well-structured aquarium, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists ready to explore dwarf cichlids.

Apistogramma Agassizi

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Out of stock,  

$25.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Apistogramma agassizii (Apistogramma agassizii)

    Elegant, colourful and full of character, Apistogramma agassizii, commonly known as Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid, is one of the most iconic South American dwarf cichlids. Renowned for its elongated finnage, fascinating behaviours and stunning natural colour variations, this species is a favourite among aquascapers and cichlid enthusiasts alike.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Apistogramma agassizii
    • Common name: Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
    • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
    • Adult size: Males 8–9 cm, females 5–6 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ for a pair
    • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding
    • Best kept: As a compatible pair or one male with multiple females in larger aquariums

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You enjoy keeping South American dwarf cichlids.
    • You have a planted or blackwater aquarium.
    • You appreciate fascinating fish behaviour and breeding displays.
    • You want a colourful centrepiece for a peaceful community aquarium.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep large or aggressive cichlids.
    • You cannot provide hiding places and territories.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
    • You keep very active or boisterous fish that may stress dwarf cichlids.

    Why choose Apistogramma agassizii?

    Native to the Amazon Basin, Apistogramma agassizii is admired for its graceful body shape, elongated fins and incredible diversity of natural and selectively bred colour forms. Males develop spectacular finnage with vibrant shades of blue, yellow, orange and red depending on their locality or strain, while females display brilliant yellow breeding colours when protecting eggs and fry.

    Their inquisitive personality and complex social behaviour make them incredibly rewarding fish to observe. During breeding, females become devoted parents, carefully guarding caves and leading their fry around the aquarium, while males patrol the surrounding territory.

    Their manageable size, peaceful nature and striking appearance make them one of the most popular dwarf cichlids available today.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful elongated finnage and vibrant colours
    • Fascinating breeding and parental behaviour
    • Excellent centrepiece for planted aquariums
    • Peaceful with suitable community fish
    • Wide range of natural and designer colour forms
    • Ideal for South American biotope aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 5.5–7.0
    • Diet: Premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and other live or frozen foods
    • Water: Soft, clean and well-filtered with gentle water movement
    • Substrate: Fine sand is highly recommended
    • Setup: Driftwood, caves, leaf litter, dense planting and open swimming areas
    • Maintain excellent water quality through regular water changes.
    • Provide multiple caves and visual barriers to reduce territorial disputes.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Ember Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    NTA Insight:
    Apistogramma agassizii has been a favourite among dwarf cichlid enthusiasts for decades because it combines stunning beauty with fascinating natural behaviour. They thrive in aquariums featuring fine sand, driftwood, leaf litter and gentle filtration. Their colours become richer when fed a varied diet and housed in well-maintained planted aquariums with subdued lighting and natural décor.

    FAQ

    Are Apistogramma agassizii aggressive?

    They are generally peaceful but become territorial when breeding. With suitable tank mates and adequate hiding places, they make excellent community fish.

    Can they breed in home aquariums?

    Yes. They are cave spawners, with females caring for the eggs and fry while males defend the surrounding territory.

    Do they need soft water?

    Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal, although many captive-bred fish adapt well to stable neutral conditions.

    What should I feed them?

    A varied diet including premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia will help maintain excellent health and colour.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp may coexist, but baby shrimp are likely to be preyed upon. They are best kept in community aquariums rather than dedicated shrimp tanks.

    How long do they live?

    With excellent care, stable water quality and a varied diet, Apistogramma agassizii typically live between 3 and 5 years.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    They are best suited to aquarists who can provide stable water conditions and a well-structured aquarium, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists ready to explore dwarf cichlids.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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