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Hongsloi Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma hongsloi
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Meta & Vichada Rivers, Colombia
Striking apisto with vivid yellow, red, and blue colouring on males. Highly variable in colour intensity depending on mood and water quality. A showpiece fish for any planted South American biotope.
Care Guide
Diet
Hongsloi dwarf cichlids are carnivorous and require live or frozen micro prey as their primary diet, including small bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. High-quality micro pellets can supplement live/frozen foods but should not be the sole diet.
Behavior
These cichlids are semi-aggressive, particularly males during breeding or territorial disputes. They are bottom-dwellers that spend most time foraging along the substrate and among plants. Males display vibrant coloration when dominant or courting, with intensity varying based on mood, water quality, and social hierarchy.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires pristine water conditions (pH 5.0-6.5, soft water) and plenty of hiding spots such as caves or dense vegetation. Pairs are monogamous and will aggressively defend fry; remove non-breeding fish to a separate tank. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to micro prey.
Tank Mates
Peaceful bottom-dweller that won't compete with cichlids and helps control algae
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy mid-water column and share similar water parameters
May be predated upon, especially juveniles; provide dense plants for refuge
Hardy plant that provides shelter and won't be uprooted by cichlid foraging
Small, peaceful schooler that prefers similar acidic, soft water conditions
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; ensure good filtration and water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, remove decaying plants/debris, use antibiotic medication if severe; maintain optimal temperature and pH
Hole-in-the-Head (Hexamita)
Small pits or holes on head and lateral line, loss of appetite, weight loss
Improve water quality with frequent changes, use metronidazole-based medication, ensure varied diet with quality foods; maintain stable water parameters
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, red streaks on body or fins, swollen abdomen, behavioral changes
Perform daily 30-50% water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication, isolate affected fish if possible; maintain pristine water conditions
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 5.0–7.0
- diet
- live/frozen micro prey
- maxSize
- 3 inches
- minTankSize
- 20 gallons
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C