Apistogramma Agassizii (Pairs)

About Apistogramma Agassizii

Apistogramma Agassizii is one of the most popular and recognisable South American dwarf cichlids, prized for its elongated body, vibrant colouration, and impressive flowing fins. Males can develop intense red, orange, yellow, and blue colouration, often with a striking dark lateral marking running along the body.

Native to the Amazon Basin of South America, Apistogramma Agassizii naturally inhabits slow-moving streams, shallow forest waters, and areas rich in leaf litter, roots, driftwood, and aquatic vegetation. Providing plenty of natural structure in the aquarium encourages natural behaviour and gives these fish secure territories.

They are generally peaceful community fish but become territorial during breeding, particularly around caves and spawning sites. Keeping a well-structured aquarium with multiple caves, plants, driftwood, and visual barriers helps minimise aggression.

Apistogramma Agassizii pairs well with peaceful South American species such as Cardinal Tetras, Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Corydoras, Pencilfish, and Otocinclus.

A varied diet of quality micro pellets supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, blackworms, and baby brine shrimp will help maintain strong colouration, growth, and breeding condition.

With their spectacular colour, flowing fins, and fascinating behaviour, Apistogramma Agassizii is an excellent feature fish for planted and Amazonian-style freshwater aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Apistogramma agassizii
Common Name: Apistogramma Agassizii
Origin: Amazon Basin, South America
Adult Size: Male 7–9 cm | Female 4–5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, territorial when breeding
Diet: Carnivore / Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 60 Litres
Temperature: 23–28°C
pH: 5.5–7.0
Water Hardness: 1–10 dGH
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: 4–6 Years
Suitable For: Planted aquariums, Amazon biotopes, blackwater aquariums, and peaceful community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Apistogramma Agassizii aggressive?

They are generally peaceful, but become territorial during breeding. Females in particular will defend their spawning area and fry.

Can Apistogramma Agassizii live in a community aquarium?

Yes. They can be kept with peaceful species such as Cardinal Tetras, Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Corydoras, Pencilfish, and Otocinclus.

What do Apistogramma Agassizii eat?

They enjoy quality micro pellets as well as frozen and live foods including bloodworms, daphnia, blackworms, and baby brine shrimp.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Males are larger and develop much more elaborate finnage and stronger red, orange, yellow, and blue colouration. Females are smaller and generally become bright yellow when breeding.

Are Apistogramma Agassizii easy to breed?

Yes. With suitable caves, soft water, stable conditions, and a nutritious diet, they can breed readily. The female typically guards the eggs and fry while the male defends the surrounding territory.

Common Mistakes

Not providing caves
Offer several small caves or spawning sites so females can establish secure territories.

Keeping them with aggressive fish
Avoid large or highly territorial tank mates that may stress or dominate them.

Using a bare aquarium
Plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and shaded areas provide security and encourage natural behaviour.

Poor water quality
Maintain clean, stable water and perform regular water changes.

Feeding only dry foods
A varied diet including frozen and live foods helps maximise colouration, condition, and breeding success.