
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Apistogramma hongsloi
An Apistogramma from the Orinoco basin. Males have elongated front dorsal rays and red streaks on the face and body. Known for biparental care rather than harem spawning.
Apistogramma hongsloi is a small cichlid from the middle Río Vichada and Río Meta in Colombia and the middle Orinoco in Venezuela. FishBase gives a maximum of 7 cm TL. It is A110 in the DATZ 'A-number' system, with similar populations from other localities coded A111-A115, and belongs to the group around A. macmasteri. Males have elongated anterior dorsal rays and strong red markings on the cheeks and flanks, and selectively bred colour lines such as 'Red' are also traded. It lives in small, slow tributaries and still waters and lays about 60-90 eggs on the ceiling of a cave. The female leads egg care, but FishBase notes that it does not appear to practise harem spawning and that both parents may raise the young together. Wild fish prefer soft, acidic water, while captive-bred fish tolerate a broader range. Both wild and captive-bred fish are sold in Japanese specialist shops.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hongslo's dwarf cichlid grows to Up to 7 cm TL.
The ideal temperature for the Hongslo's dwarf cichlid is 23〜30℃.
Origin
South America (Orinoco basin in Colombia and Venezuela)
Size
Up to 7 cm TL
Temperature
23〜30℃
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.
Primary sources
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act, nor on the Ministry of the Environment's list of invasive alien species. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Mainly carnivorous (frozen/live foods; pellets once accustomed)
23-30°C, pH 5.5-6.0 (FishBase); Seriously Fish gives pH 5.5-7.0 and 1-15 dGH. Wild fish need softer, more acidic water; change 10-15% at a time to avoid sudden shifts.
Use sand with driftwood and clay pots to form caves and shade. Keep lighting subdued with some floating plants, and keep filter flow gentle.
Captive-bred fish suit a community of small peaceful species. Wild fish are best kept alone or with small dither fish such as pencilfish, and not mixed with other Apistogramma.
Feeds on bottom-living invertebrates in the wild. Offer frozen or live bloodworm, Artemia and Daphnia regularly; most learn to take pellets, which they prefer to flakes.
Lays about 60-90 eggs on a cave ceiling; the female tends eggs and fry. In small tanks she may become aggressive enough that the male must be removed.
Do not cross different populations (A110-A115) or colour lines. It is sensitive to water quality, so stock lightly and change small amounts of water regularly.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Hongslo's dwarf cichlid is 23〜30℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Hongslo's dwarf cichlid typically reaches Up to 7 cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hongslo's dwarf cichlid feeds on: Mainly carnivorous (frozen/live foods; pellets once accustomed). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hongslo's dwarf cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 30, 2026