Apistogramma Hoignei

Description

Apistogramma hoignei (Apistogramma hoignei)

Rare, colourful and full of personality, Apistogramma hoignei is an exceptional South American dwarf cichlid prized for its shimmering blue iridescence, golden highlights and fascinating natural behaviours. With its peaceful temperament and captivating appearance, this uncommon species is a rewarding choice for aquarists looking to keep something truly special.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Apistogramma hoignei
  • Common name: Hoigne's Dwarf Cichlid
  • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
  • Adult size: Males 7–8 cm, females 4–5 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?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You enjoy keeping uncommon South American dwarf cichlids.
  • You maintain a planted or blackwater aquarium.
  • You appreciate natural colouration and fascinating behaviour.
  • You enjoy breeding projects and observing parental care.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep large or aggressive cichlids.
  • You cannot provide caves and sheltered territories.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
  • You keep fast, boisterous fish that may stress dwarf cichlids.

Why choose Apistogramma hoignei?

Apistogramma hoignei is an uncommon species valued by dwarf cichlid enthusiasts for its refined beauty and engaging personality. Mature males develop shimmering blue iridescence across the body with attractive yellow and orange highlights in the fins, while females display brilliant yellow breeding colours when guarding eggs and fry.

Like many Apistogramma, they are highly interactive fish that spend their day exploring driftwood, leaf litter and plants. Their intelligence and curiosity make them enjoyable to observe, while their natural breeding behaviours provide endless interest for dedicated aquarists.

Although peaceful in a community aquarium, they establish small territories and appreciate a thoughtfully aquascaped environment with plenty of cover and visual barriers.

Benefits

  • Rare and highly desirable Apistogramma species
  • Beautiful iridescent blue and golden colouration
  • Excellent personality and natural behaviours
  • Ideal centrepiece for planted aquariums
  • Fascinating breeding and parental care
  • Suitable for peaceful South American community aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28Β°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 subdued lighting
  • Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes.
  • Provide multiple caves and visual barriers to minimise territorial disputes during breeding.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Ember Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
NTA Insight:
Apistogramma hoignei is one of those species that becomes more impressive the longer you keep it. Mature males develop richer iridescent colours, while females display remarkable parental instincts during spawning. A natural aquascape with fine sand, botanicals, driftwood and shaded areas encourages confident behaviour and helps this species display its best colours.

FAQ

Is Apistogramma hoignei suitable for community aquariums?

Yes. They are generally peaceful and do well with small South American schooling fish and peaceful bottom dwellers. They become more territorial only during breeding.

Can they breed in captivity?

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

Do they require soft water?

They perform best in soft, slightly acidic water, although many captive-bred fish adapt well to stable, neutral conditions.

What should I feed them?

A varied diet of premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia helps maintain vibrant colouration, health and breeding condition.

Can they be kept with shrimp?

Large adult shrimp may coexist in larger aquariums, but shrimp fry and juveniles are likely to be preyed upon. They are not recommended for shrimp breeding tanks.

How long do they live?

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

What aquarium setup is best?

A planted or Amazon-style aquarium with fine sand, driftwood, caves, leaf litter and gentle filtration provides the ideal environment for natural behaviour and long-term success.

Apistogramma Hoignei

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Out of stock,  

$150.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Apistogramma hoignei (Apistogramma hoignei)

    Rare, colourful and full of personality, Apistogramma hoignei is an exceptional South American dwarf cichlid prized for its shimmering blue iridescence, golden highlights and fascinating natural behaviours. With its peaceful temperament and captivating appearance, this uncommon species is a rewarding choice for aquarists looking to keep something truly special.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Apistogramma hoignei
    • Common name: Hoigne's Dwarf Cichlid
    • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
    • Adult size: Males 7–8 cm, females 4–5 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?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You enjoy keeping uncommon South American dwarf cichlids.
    • You maintain a planted or blackwater aquarium.
    • You appreciate natural colouration and fascinating behaviour.
    • You enjoy breeding projects and observing parental care.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep large or aggressive cichlids.
    • You cannot provide caves and sheltered territories.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water quality.
    • You keep fast, boisterous fish that may stress dwarf cichlids.

    Why choose Apistogramma hoignei?

    Apistogramma hoignei is an uncommon species valued by dwarf cichlid enthusiasts for its refined beauty and engaging personality. Mature males develop shimmering blue iridescence across the body with attractive yellow and orange highlights in the fins, while females display brilliant yellow breeding colours when guarding eggs and fry.

    Like many Apistogramma, they are highly interactive fish that spend their day exploring driftwood, leaf litter and plants. Their intelligence and curiosity make them enjoyable to observe, while their natural breeding behaviours provide endless interest for dedicated aquarists.

    Although peaceful in a community aquarium, they establish small territories and appreciate a thoughtfully aquascaped environment with plenty of cover and visual barriers.

    Benefits

    • Rare and highly desirable Apistogramma species
    • Beautiful iridescent blue and golden colouration
    • Excellent personality and natural behaviours
    • Ideal centrepiece for planted aquariums
    • Fascinating breeding and parental care
    • Suitable for peaceful South American community aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28Β°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 subdued lighting
    • Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes.
    • Provide multiple caves and visual barriers to minimise territorial disputes during breeding.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Ember Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    NTA Insight:
    Apistogramma hoignei is one of those species that becomes more impressive the longer you keep it. Mature males develop richer iridescent colours, while females display remarkable parental instincts during spawning. A natural aquascape with fine sand, botanicals, driftwood and shaded areas encourages confident behaviour and helps this species display its best colours.

    FAQ

    Is Apistogramma hoignei suitable for community aquariums?

    Yes. They are generally peaceful and do well with small South American schooling fish and peaceful bottom dwellers. They become more territorial only during breeding.

    Can they breed in captivity?

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

    Do they require soft water?

    They perform best in soft, slightly acidic water, although many captive-bred fish adapt well to stable, neutral conditions.

    What should I feed them?

    A varied diet of premium micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia helps maintain vibrant colouration, health and breeding condition.

    Can they be kept with shrimp?

    Large adult shrimp may coexist in larger aquariums, but shrimp fry and juveniles are likely to be preyed upon. They are not recommended for shrimp breeding tanks.

    How long do they live?

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

    What aquarium setup is best?

    A planted or Amazon-style aquarium with fine sand, driftwood, caves, leaf litter and gentle filtration provides the ideal environment for natural behaviour and long-term success.

    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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