A stunning fish often chosen as a centre piece for South American community tanks and biotope aquariums. We outline all you need to know about Apistogrammas.
Apistogrammas are stunning cichlids packed full of colour. Therefore, it is no wonder that so many aquarists opt to stock these characterful fish in their home aquariums. However, it is important to know these fish won't thrive if you add them into a standard community aquarium.
An Apistogramma for everyone
You may be surprised to hear that there are over 90 scientifically described species of Apistogramma according to FishBase. If you have been looking through your local fish shop's tanks, you are likely to only spot a handful of these species. We will look at some of these in more detail towards the end of this feature. Many of them are available in various colour varieties thanks to selective breeding.
However, visit some specialist shops and breeders and you will likely find some rare gems. You could even spot some individuals that do not yet have a scientific name. Hobbyists often breed and pass on these fish before scientists have chance to identify them.
Apistogramma sp."Miua", All photos by Shutterstock unless otherwise stated.
They all display a fascinating array of colours and patterns, meaning that there is likely an "Apisto" for everyone. Apisto being the common name many hobbyists use for this group of dwarf cichlids. However, with so many species it stands to reason that some may be more challenging to keep than others.
For this guide we will be sticking with the common species. However, gain some confidence with them and you could progress to keeping some of the more finicky Apistogramma.
Related article: Which apistos are best for me?
Wild lives of Apistogramma
All Apistogramma originate from South America. Here they live in the shallow waters of small rivers, streams, lakes and flooded forests and fields. Many of these environments contain blackwater, characterised by the tannin stained water, incredibly low pH and negligible water hardness.
However, not all apistos occur in these habitats. Apistogramma commbrae, for example, live in the Pantanal and can occur in areas of clear water and an abundance of aquatic plants. Here the water can be much closer to a neutral pH.
Researching the species you wish to keep can be key in ensuring you provide the right conditions for your fish.
Tank mates for Apistogramma
These are dwarf cichlids, so you certainly need to take in mind their potential cichlid behaviours when choosing tank mates. Apistogrammas are both a little shy and territorial which can cause problems in a general community tank.
Related article: New ways to mix your community fish.
Apistos often stay close to the substrate, and so many issues can arise when mixing them with other bottom dwellers. Should a pair start thinking about breeding, they will form a territory and harass other fish should they enter it. This causes particular issues with corydoras catfish. They show little respect to territories, and don't have the defences to deal with relentless Apisto attacks.
Similarly, conflicts arise when mixed with other larger cichlids that also want to stake a claim to the territory. Meanwhile, overly active catfish can stress these shy cichlids causing them to retreat and larger fish can be intimidating.
However, if you take the above into account they can work in a community of peaceful, softwater fishes. Stay with the usual small tetras, rasboras, and pencilfish and they will generally fare well. In fact, the presence of these dither fish can help to settle your apistos as it signals there are no predators nearby.
Pencilfish from the genus Nannostomus make great dither fish for Apistogramma, Photo by Alex Bell
'Aquascaping' an aquarium for Apistogramma
We use the word aquascaping loosely here, as a high-tech planted aquascape is not the perfect home for an Apisto. Indeed, their habit for taking mouthfuls of sand and filtering out tasty morsels can mean they uproot live plants. While having an aquarium soil substrate may prevent this, it would stop your fish from showing their natural behaviours.
Apistogramma routinely take mouthfuls of the substrate and botanicals in search of food, Photo by Alex Bell
Instead, go for a more natural looking aquarium starting with a soft, fine sand substrate which your cichlids can search for food in. Hardscape wise, stick to inert rocks and aquarium safe wood and place them in ways to create nooks and crannies. Litter the substrate with a handful of leaves and seed pods if you so desire, the fish will certainly thank you for it. Some seed pods even resemble a cave, which may end up being a perfect spawning site for your pair of Apistogramma.
Apistogramma elizabethae in a botanical laden aquarium, Photo by Alex Bell
The botanicals will leech out tannins staining the water slightly creating a blackwater aquarium. To get this look but without the decaying botanicals, you can instead use a concentrated blackwater extract. Alternatively, for species not from blackwater habitats add activated carbon to the filter to remove the tannins. Even in these habitats leaf litter is often present in small quantities and your fish will still utilise them in clearwater habitats.
You can add plants, just opt for sturdy, low light tolerant, species. Avoid the pretty stems as they are the most likely to be uprooted by the cichlids. Floating plants can be a great addition to help create the shaded conditions that the Apistogramma thrive in.
Nathan Hill's Apistogramma tank from a feature in the August 2023 issue.
Related article: Welcome to the communitope.
Choosing your Apisto
Generally, people keep Apistogrammas in pairs, but harems of females with one male can work in larger tanks. Look for an obvious pair forming in the tank, the two fish are usually always close and may be chasing away the others. Sexing them is simple as the genders display drastically different markings. If you are unsure, ask the store's staff and they will be able to help pick out a pair for you.
As with any fish purchase, you should check the health of your fish. Most of the common species available will be captive bred and can come with deformities. A healthy and settled apisto should be actively roaming the tank, have a straight spine and vibrant colours. They should also be feeding well, and you can always ask to see this before making a purchase.
Wild fish are available, and are usually the rarer species. Watch out for potential signs of disease with these and it is definitely worth putting wild fish through a quarantine.
However, you still need to decide which species is right for you. So, now is the time to dive into our top three picks for a beginner Apistogramma keeper.
Cockatoo dwarf cichlid
- Scientific name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
- Size: Males to 7.5cm (3"), female usually 5cm (2")
- Origin: Scattered around Brazil and Peru
- Habitat: Found in slow moving or static blackwater, usually over deep leaf litter
- Water requirements: Soft and acidic to slightly alkaline water for farmed fish; 5.5-7.5pH, 0-18°H
- Temperature: 22-29°C (72-84°F)
Agassiz's dwarf cichlid
- Scientific name: Apistogramma agassizii
- Size: Males to 7cm (2.8"), female usually 5cm (2")
- Origin: Scattered around Brazil and Peru
- Habitat: Found in blackwater and clear water, usually over deep leaf litter
- Water requirements: Soft and acidic to neutral water; 4.0-7.0pH, 0-12°H (depending on if the fish are wild caught or captive bred).
- Temperature: 22-29°C (72-84°F)
Umbrella dwarf cichlid
- Scientific name: Apistogramma borellii
- Size: Males to 7cm (2.8"), female usually 5cm (2")
- Origin: Northern Argentina, southern Brazil and Paraguay
- Habitat: Found in flooded fields during the wet season and in smaller rivers and streams. The water can be almost crystal clear or indeed tinted.
- Water requirements: Soft and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water is acceptable; 5.5-8.0pH, 2-20°H
- Temperature: 16-26°C (60-79°F)
Breeding behaviours
As mentioned before, Apistogramma will become territorial when breeding. A 60cm (24") tank is best to house a pair alongside other fish as it will give everyone space to retreat. Even pairs of Apistogramma will squabble and turn on each other from time to time. Smaller tanks of 45cm (18") can work for breeding purposes, but plenty of hiding spots must be available.
The female, who can be somewhat drab in comparison to the male, will develop a bright yellow colour prior to, and during, spawning. She will then attempt to attract the male towards the chosen spawning location. This can be a ceramic flower pot, a seed pod, or just a small gap between the hardscape.
Once the female has laid her vivid eggs, often on the walls or ceiling of the cave, the male is evicted. The female tends to the brood while the male patrols the wider area, although the female may not tolerate his presence. In which case, move him to a separate tank for a more harmonious life. This is often the case when using smaller breeding tanks.
The eggs hatch within 5 days, faster in warmer water. After roughly the same length of time, the female will allow the now free swimming fry to emerge from the cave to forage. They initially require tiny infusoria, and the microorganisms naturally inhabiting botanicals work well too. Slowly begin to introduce baby brine shrimp to the tank, if the babies cannot eat it yet the female will.
You can slowly increase the size of the food offered as they grow. Move the fry to a grow out tank when they become independent from their mum.
