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Elizabeth's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma elizabethae
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichliformes›Cichlidae
📍 Rio Negro, Brazil
One of the most spectacular Apistogramma species. Males display enormous lyretail finnage with vivid blue, red, and yellow coloration.
Care Guide
Diet
Elizabeth's Dwarf Cichlids are carnivorous and require high-protein foods including quality cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small live foods like daphnia. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes to maintain water quality in their smaller tank.
Behavior
Males are highly territorial and display elaborate courtship with their spectacular lyretail fins, making them semi-aggressive especially during breeding. They are bottom-dwellers that spend most time foraging along the substrate and among plants, though they remain relatively shy and prefer dimly lit environments with plenty of cover.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires pristine water conditions (pH 4.5-5.5, soft water) and dedicated breeding pairs in separate tanks. Females are mouthbrooders and will fiercely defend fry; provide caves or PVC tubes as spawning sites and expect 20-40 fry per spawn with high survival rates if parents are undisturbed.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae eaters that occupy different tank zones and share acidic water preferences
Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that thrive in soft, acidic water and won't compete for bottom space
May be predated upon, especially fry; only suitable in heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots
Similar size and temperament but may compete for territory; only in larger 20+ gallon tanks with multiple caves
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, flashing against objects, rapid breathing, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication or salt treatment; maintain excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, fin loss, often starting at tail
Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and aeration, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; remove any sharp tank decorations
Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Small holes or pits developing on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent changes, ensure varied diet with quality foods, use metronidazole treatment; often linked to poor water conditions or nutritional deficiency
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, clamped fins, rapid breathing, scratching behavior
Darken tank and raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use copper-free velvet medication; isolate affected fish if possible
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 4.0–6.0
- diet
- carnivore
- maxSize
- 3 inches
- minTankSize
- 20 gallons
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C