{"product_id":"apistogramma-viejita-red-neck-pairs","title":"Apistogramma Viejita Red Neck (Pairs)","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Apistogramma Viejita Red Neck\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApistogramma Viejita Red Neck is a striking selectively bred form of the Viejita-type Apistogramma, prized for its intense red-orange colouration around the throat and head, vibrant yellow body, and contrasting blue markings. Males develop particularly impressive finnage and colour as they mature, making them a standout dwarf cichlid for planted aquariums and South American biotope-style setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViejita-type Apistogramma are associated with the Orinoco region of Colombia, where they inhabit slow-moving streams and shallow waters with leaf litter, submerged roots, and dense vegetation. Replicating this environment with driftwood, plants, leaf litter, and caves allows these fish to display their most natural behaviour and colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other Apistogramma, Viejita Red Neck are generally peaceful but become territorial during breeding. A well-structured aquarium with multiple caves and visual barriers helps reduce conflict and gives females secure areas for spawning and raising fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey make excellent companions for peaceful South American species such as Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Pencilfish, Corydoras, Otocinclus, and other calm community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their bold red throat, colourful finnage, and intelligent personality, Apistogramma Viejita Red Neck is an exceptional choice for aquarists wanting a distinctive South American dwarf cichlid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eApistogramma viejita\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apistogramma Viejita Red Neck\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orinoco region, Colombia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Male 6–8 cm | Female 4–5 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful, territorial when breeding\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore \/ Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60 Litres\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5–7.0\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1–8 dGH\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–6 Years\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Planted aquariums, South American community tanks, Apistogramma setups, and blackwater-style aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Apistogramma Viejita Red Neck aggressive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are generally peaceful but can become territorial during breeding. Providing multiple caves and visual barriers helps minimise aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan they live in a community aquarium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are well suited to peaceful South American communities containing Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Corydoras, Pencilfish, and Otocinclus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Apistogramma Viejita Red Neck eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey enjoy high-quality micro pellets along with frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, blackworms, and baby brine shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow can I tell males from females?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales are larger and develop stronger red, orange, blue, and yellow colouration with more extended dorsal and caudal fins. Females are smaller and typically develop a bright yellow breeding colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan they be bred in an aquarium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. With soft, slightly acidic water and suitable caves, they can spawn readily. Females generally guard the eggs and fry while the male defends the surrounding territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot providing enough caves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvide several small caves or spawning sites so females can establish secure territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeeping them with aggressive fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLarge or territorial tank mates can stress Apistogramma and prevent natural behaviour and breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUsing a bare aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDriftwood, plants, leaf litter, and shaded areas help recreate their natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApistogramma are sensitive to deteriorating water quality, particularly in heavily stocked aquariums. Maintain clean, stable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding only dry foods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA varied diet containing frozen and live foods helps bring out their best colouration and supports breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48890797981835,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/ZL5RxXw8lv9goz-e0uOJHK-z7pfMbel7NEaNYuDa6bzomciu9I7TEl_t_ngskkxxTP3Mfrfjq5nPPKBqKbe1xJdmSZzx851nk4G9l8NCuCAo05MXsA551AJ0MLZkVKHbph7kiwVp9LqjuzJ-PFFpY3RquCchy_fK0t6lO0y_0xJzsqO1PSVXfJ8.jpg?v=1786243101","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/apistogramma-viejita-red-neck-pairs","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}