
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Apistogramma agassizii
A dwarf cichlid found widely along the main Amazon channel. Males carry a spear-shaped caudal fin and colour varies greatly by locality. A popular substrate spawner that can be bred at home.
Apistogramma agassizii is a dwarf cichlid distributed along the Amazon-Solimoes from Peru through Brazil to the Capim basin. Males reach about 7.5cm standard length and females about 5cm, males being larger, more colourful and longer-finned. The spear-shaped caudal fin is characteristic, and body colour varies greatly by locality, with populations and ornamental forms such as 'Alenquer' traded under A-numbers. A pair can be kept from 60x30cm, about 54 litres, at 22-29C, pH 5.0-7.0 and 0-10 dGH. Wild fish come from extremely acidic blackwater of pH 3-4, while commercially bred stock is far more tolerant. It is largely carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates, so live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm should form the basis of the diet. It is a substrate spawner that lays in crevices and cavities, with the female guarding eggs and fry.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid lives 3-5 years.
The Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid grows to Males about 7.5cm, females about 5cm standard length.
The ideal temperature for the Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is 22〜29℃.
Origin
South America: along the Amazon-Solimoes from Peru through Brazil to the Capim River basin
Lifespan
Sources: Seriously Fish: Apistogramma agassizii / FishBase: Apistogramma agassizii
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Apistogramma agassizii (Steindachner, 1875)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
3-5 years
Size
Males about 7.5cm, females about 5cm standard length
Temperature
22〜29℃
Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm, plus prepared foods
A pair can be kept from 60x30cm, about 54 litres. Provide caves and spawning sites with driftwood, leaf litter and pipes, and break up lines of sight.
22-29C, pH 5.0-7.0 and 0-10 dGH. Wild populations live in extremely acidic water of pH 3-4, but commercially bred fish tolerate a much wider range.
Captive-raised fish suit community tanks. Wild specimens are best kept alone or with small dither fishes, and should not be mixed with other Apistogramma.
In nature it feeds on benthic invertebrates. Base the diet on live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and chironomid larvae, supplemented with dried foods.
A substrate spawner laying in crevices or cavities. The female guards eggs and fry and turns aggressive afterwards, so in smaller tanks the male may need removing.
Colour varies markedly by locality and forms are separated by A-numbers such as A234. Check labelling at purchase so that different localities are not crossed.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is 22〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid typically reaches Males about 7.5cm, females about 5cm standard length as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid feeds on: Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm, plus prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026