Apistogramma macmasteri Viejita Red Neck 3-5cm

Description

Viejita Red Neck Apistogramma (Apistogramma macmasteri)

A stunning South American dwarf cichlid renowned for its brilliant red neck, vibrant finnage, and fascinating personality—perfect for peaceful planted aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Apistogramma macmasteri
  • Common name: Viejita Red Neck Apistogramma
  • Adult size: 6–8 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ (80L+ for pairs)
  • Difficulty: 🟡 Intermediate
  • Temperament: Semi-peaceful

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You enjoy colourful dwarf cichlids with personality.
  • You have a planted aquarium with caves and driftwood.
  • You want fascinating breeding behaviour.
  • You keep peaceful South American community fish.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive African cichlids.
  • Your aquarium lacks hiding places.
  • You keep very aggressive or boisterous fish.
  • You want a fish that thrives in hard alkaline water.

Why choose the Viejita Red Neck?

The Viejita Red Neck is one of the most eye-catching Apistogramma varieties available. Males develop brilliant red-orange colouring across the head and shoulders, complemented by extended fins and beautiful iridescent blues throughout the body.

Despite their striking appearance, they remain relatively small and are well suited to planted aquariums where they spend their time exploring caves, driftwood and leaf litter in search of food.

During breeding they display incredible parental care, with females fiercely protecting eggs and fry while males defend the surrounding territory. Their behaviour is every bit as rewarding as their colours.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping multiple males in small aquariums.
  • Providing too few caves or territories.
  • Housing with overly aggressive tank mates.
  • Allowing nitrate levels to become elevated.
  • Using very hard, alkaline water for breeding.

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Diet: Quality pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
  • Setup: Sand substrate with driftwood, caves, botanicals and dense planting

Pairs perfectly with

  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummy Nose Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Pencilfish
  • Amazon botanicals and driftwood
NTA Insight:
Apistogramma are often called the "big fish in a small package." They display intelligence, personality and fascinating social interactions that rival much larger cichlids, while remaining suitable for beautifully planted aquariums. The Red Neck Macmasteri is one of our favourite varieties thanks to its incredible colours and relatively forgiving nature.

FAQ

Can they be kept in a community aquarium?

Yes. They do well with peaceful South American community fish such as tetras, pencilfish and Corydoras, provided plenty of hiding places are available.

Can I keep a pair together?

Absolutely. A bonded pair can thrive together in a suitably sized aquarium with multiple caves and clearly defined territories.

Do they breed easily?

Given excellent water quality, suitable caves and a high-quality diet, they readily breed in home aquariums and display excellent parental care.

Are they aggressive?

Generally no. They are peaceful outside of breeding but become territorial when protecting eggs or fry, which is normal dwarf cichlid behaviour.

What makes the Red Neck variety special?

The vibrant red-orange colouring across the head and shoulders, combined with brilliant blue iridescence and elegant finnage, makes this one of the most attractive Apistogramma available.

Apistogramma macmasteri Viejita Red Neck 3-5cm

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)

SKU: CZ322030

📦 Arrival Date: 12 June 2026

10 in stock  

$40.00


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Viejita Red Neck Apistogramma (Apistogramma macmasteri)

    A stunning South American dwarf cichlid renowned for its brilliant red neck, vibrant finnage, and fascinating personality—perfect for peaceful planted aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Apistogramma macmasteri
    • Common name: Viejita Red Neck Apistogramma
    • Adult size: 6–8 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ (80L+ for pairs)
    • Difficulty: 🟡 Intermediate
    • Temperament: Semi-peaceful

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You enjoy colourful dwarf cichlids with personality.
    • You have a planted aquarium with caves and driftwood.
    • You want fascinating breeding behaviour.
    • You keep peaceful South American community fish.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive African cichlids.
    • Your aquarium lacks hiding places.
    • You keep very aggressive or boisterous fish.
    • You want a fish that thrives in hard alkaline water.

    Why choose the Viejita Red Neck?

    The Viejita Red Neck is one of the most eye-catching Apistogramma varieties available. Males develop brilliant red-orange colouring across the head and shoulders, complemented by extended fins and beautiful iridescent blues throughout the body.

    Despite their striking appearance, they remain relatively small and are well suited to planted aquariums where they spend their time exploring caves, driftwood and leaf litter in search of food.

    During breeding they display incredible parental care, with females fiercely protecting eggs and fry while males defend the surrounding territory. Their behaviour is every bit as rewarding as their colours.

    Common mistakes

    • Keeping multiple males in small aquariums.
    • Providing too few caves or territories.
    • Housing with overly aggressive tank mates.
    • Allowing nitrate levels to become elevated.
    • Using very hard, alkaline water for breeding.

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Diet: Quality pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
    • Setup: Sand substrate with driftwood, caves, botanicals and dense planting

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Cardinal Tetras
    • Rummy Nose Tetras
    • Corydoras
    • Pencilfish
    • Amazon botanicals and driftwood
    NTA Insight:
    Apistogramma are often called the "big fish in a small package." They display intelligence, personality and fascinating social interactions that rival much larger cichlids, while remaining suitable for beautifully planted aquariums. The Red Neck Macmasteri is one of our favourite varieties thanks to its incredible colours and relatively forgiving nature.

    FAQ

    Can they be kept in a community aquarium?

    Yes. They do well with peaceful South American community fish such as tetras, pencilfish and Corydoras, provided plenty of hiding places are available.

    Can I keep a pair together?

    Absolutely. A bonded pair can thrive together in a suitably sized aquarium with multiple caves and clearly defined territories.

    Do they breed easily?

    Given excellent water quality, suitable caves and a high-quality diet, they readily breed in home aquariums and display excellent parental care.

    Are they aggressive?

    Generally no. They are peaceful outside of breeding but become territorial when protecting eggs or fry, which is normal dwarf cichlid behaviour.

    What makes the Red Neck variety special?

    The vibrant red-orange colouring across the head and shoulders, combined with brilliant blue iridescence and elegant finnage, makes this one of the most attractive Apistogramma available.

    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.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account