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Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Amazon Basin, Brazil & Peru
Apistogramma agassizii is one of the most widespread and variable apistogramma species across the Amazon basin, with geographic colour forms ranging from blue-tailed to fire red. Males display spectacular iridescent blue-green flanks and the distinctive pointed caudal fin characteristic of the species. They are slightly more demanding about water softness than A. cacatuoides but reward careful husbandry with outstanding colour.
Care Guide
Diet
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids are carnivorous and require high-quality micro pellets as a staple, supplemented 3-4 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and artemia. Feed small portions once daily, removing uneaten food within 2-3 minutes to maintain water quality.
Behavior
Males are highly territorial toward other males and will aggressively defend small territories, particularly around caves or dense vegetation. They are bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging and exploring substrate, displaying vibrant coloration when establishing dominance. Females are generally more peaceful and may tolerate proximity to other females in larger tanks with adequate visual barriers.
Breeding
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlids are cave spawners that breed readily in well-established tanks with proper conditions (soft, acidic water and hiding spots). The female guards the brood intensively while the male defends territory; remove the male after spawning to prevent aggression toward the female and fry. Breeding is moderately difficult and requires patience, stable parameters, and careful monitoring.
Tank Mates
Peaceful bottom-dweller that occupies different ecological niche; minimal competition
Small, peaceful schooling fish that inhabit mid-water; compatible water parameters
Soft water specialist that occupies upper water column; non-aggressive toward cichlids
May be predated upon by larger males; best in heavily planted tanks with plenty of cover
Similar territorial requirements; only compatible in larger tanks (30+ gallons) with multiple caves
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against substrate, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss
Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication (e.g., tetracycline) if secondary infection suspected
Hexamita (Hole-in-the-Head Disease)
Pitting or erosion on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, lethargy, white stringy feces
Perform large water changes, improve diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, treat with metronidazole if severe; maintain pristine water conditions
Bacterial Infection
Redness or inflammation around mouth and gills, cloudy eyes, torn fins, behavioral changes
Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication; address underlying water quality issues
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore – micro pellets, bloodworms, daphnia, artemia
- breeding
- Cave spawner; female guards brood
- lifespan
- 3–5 years
- max size
- 8 cm (3.2 in) males; 5 cm (2.0 in) females
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Males territorial toward conspecifics; generally peaceful in community
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.0–7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <10 ppm
- hardness
- 1–8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)