Apistogramma Agassizii Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know About This Stunning Dwarf Cichlid

Apistogramma agassizii, popularly known as the ‘Double Red Apisto,’ is a colorful dwarf cichlid commonly seen in many home aquariums. This species is one of the most commonly kept fish in the aquarium trade and is a favorite among aquarists seeking an active, hardy, and easy-to-care-for fish that adds both color and personality to a community tank. In this care guide, we cover all the basics you need to know to keep Apistogramma agassizii happy, including their size, appearance, compatible tank mates, diet, and breeding methods.

Apistogramma Agassizii Size and Appearance

Apistogramma agassizii is a relatively small cichlid species that thrives in aquariums with medium-sized tanks. Males can reach lengths of around 8 cm (3 inches), while females usually max out at 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches). They are colorful and brightly colored fish, with males being the most brightly colored.

The double red, characterized by a combination of dark red and orange coloration in their fins and body, is the most recognized variety. These fish are typically marked by a robust spade-shaped tail, and a bright, near-iridescent look. The Apistogramma agassizii female has a very muted coloration compared to the male, often with more orange or brown coloration. However, when females are ready to breed, they can turn bright yellow, making them more visible and more attractive to their mate.

Rams are trade-winds that are built very short, with large expressive eyes, and a sleek streamlined body, but the tribal fish’s long flowing fins add to the fish’s gracefulness in the aquarium.

Natural Habitat of Apistogramma Agassizii

Native to the Amazon Basin, Apistogramma agassizii can be found across areas of Brazil and Peru. In the wild, these cichlids live in shallow, slow-moving tributaries of larger rivers and are usually surrounded by dense vegetation and leaf litter. The water was usually turbid pH slightly acidic, and had a temperature of 24-28°C (75-82°F). This environment offers tons of hiding spots and a fairly tranquil atmosphere.

Aquarium-wise, you can recreate these conditions with a good amount of plants, rocks, and leaf litter added. This will help create a similar environment, making your Apistogrammas feel at home. Like all fish, stable water parameters are the key to their happiness and health.

Social Behavior and Tank Mates

They are relatively peaceful fish but they can be territorial, especially during breeding times. They do not need a school and can be kept one at a time, but they flourish best with a companion / or two, arguably in a community that has other compatible tank mates.

In a community tank, it’s important to select fish that are peaceful and won’t be aggressive competitors for space or food for the Apistos. You’ll also need to give your Apistogramma plenty of hiding places to retreat to when it feels threatened.

Suitable Tank Mates

Some species that make good tank mates for Apistogramma agassizii are:

These types will not bother the Apistogramma since they are relatively peaceful in nature. Bear in mind that your Apistogramma may be territorial during the breeding season, so provide adequate hiding spaces to reduce potential fracas.

Caution with Shrimp

Just so you know, Apistogramma agassizii are not extremely aggressive, but they are micro-predators. That means they could prey on small invertebrate creatures such as shrimp — especially if the shrimp are small enough to be unable to defend themselves. If you do keep shrimp in your tank, it’s best to stick with larger species that can escape the Apistogramma’s attention, or aim to keep no shrimp at all.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Apistogramma agassizii are omnivores, and their diet should be varied to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. They do eat small invertebrates, zooplankton, and plant matter in the wild, so a balanced diet is crucial if you want their health and bright colors to continue.

Recommended Foods

You need to make sure not to feed your Apistogramma the same type of food every single day. As with many fish, they can become picky or even develop food aversions if their diet isn’t varied enough. A combination of high-quality dry food, frozen foods, and occasional live treats will keep your Apistogramma happy and healthy.

Breeding Apistogramma Agassizii

Apistogramma agassizii breeding can be a thrilling and fulfilling venture. One day can be very successful, but you need to create the right space and divide the conditions for the fish to breed successfully.

Distinguishing Males and Females

Sexing male and female Apistogramma agassizii is quite straightforward, particularly once they’re mature:

A lot of Apistogrammas are sexually dimorphic, which means the males are brightly colored and take on the role of the dominant fish in the tank. This is why female Apistogrammas are generally less colorful than males. However, when the female is ready to spawn, she will display bright yellow or orange colors.

Breeding Tips

• Provide a Breeding Cave: Apistogramma agassizii loves to have a secluded place to lay their eggs. For example, You can use a small cave or a flowerpot on the side.
• Water Conditions: Breeding takes place in slightly more acidic water with a pH of around 5.5–7.0. The water should also be warm (about 26°C or 79°F) and gentle.
• Remove the Male After Fertilization: Removes the male post-fertilization to minimize stress on the female. A male may become aggressive and chase the female, which can stress her out.
• Feeding During Breeding: Both the male and female should be well fed with high-quality foods in hatchery-type conditions, with an emphasis on prompting egg formation in the female and development in the fry.

Health and Common Issues

In general, Apistogramma agassizii are tough fish, but when the quality of the water is bad or they’re subjected to stress, they can certainly find themselves facing health complications. Common health issues consist of:

• Hole-in-the-head disease: Frequently resulting from poor water quality or stress. It is marked by small pits on the fish’s head and can be cured with better water conditions and medications.
• Fin rot: This is caused by bacterial infections, and it can happen if the fish is exposed to poor water quality or harassed by other tank mates. Antibiotics or quarantine-affected fish.

Preventing Health Issues

Maintaining good water quality is the first step to preventing health issues. Weekly 25% more water changes, adequate filtration, and careful stocking will help keep your Apistogramma agassizii healthy. Ensure you quarantine any new fish before adding them to your main tank to prevent disease spread.

Additional suggestions for avoiding health problems are:

• Remove aggressive tank mates.
• Give a varied diet for your Apistogramma.
• Regularly check the water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrites  and nitrates).
• Watch for signs of stress or illness in their behavior and appearance.

Final Thoughts

Apistogramma agassizii is one of the many dwarf cichlids in the fishkeeping hobby and is easily one of the most beautiful and easy-to-care-for species! They make a wonderful addition to many community tanks thanks to their vibrant colors and engaging personalities. With the right conditions, diet, and tank mates, you will have these intriguing fish as companions for years to come!

FAQ

Are Apistogramma agassizii aggressive?
As far as species, Apistogramma agassizii are typically peaceful fish but can be quite territorial when breeding. This time can make males more aggressive toward other males, so be sure to add adequate hiding spaces in the tank.

How many Apistogramma should be kept together?
Apistogramma agassizii has a highly playful nature, aquarists should keep them in pairs or small groups. If you put more males in a little tank, chances are the males will be aggressive toward one another.

How big do Apistogramma agassizii get?
Apistogramma agassizii males reach a total length of up to 8 cm (3 in) and females reach 5–6 cm (2–2.4 in).