How difficult is it to keep Viejita Dwarf Cichlid?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Viejita Dwarf Cichlid?

The ideal temperature for Viejita Dwarf Cichlid is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Viejita Dwarf Cichlid?

The average lifespan of Viejita Dwarf Cichlid is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Viejita Dwarf Cichlid get?

Viejita Dwarf Cichlid typically reaches Up to about 4.6cm standard length as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Viejita Dwarf Cichlid?

Viejita Dwarf Cichlid feeds on: Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm, plus prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Viejita Dwarf Cichlid?

The price of Viejita Dwarf Cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Viejita Dwarf Cichlid

Intermediate

Apistogramma viejita

A dwarf cichlid from the upper Meta basin in Colombia. Males are identified by the dark upper edge of the dorsal fin, and most fish sold under this name are reported to be the related A. macmasteri. It wants soft, acidic water.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜28℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

Up to about 4.6cm standard length

Diet

Live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm, plus prepared foods

About

Apistogramma viejita comes from the upper Meta basin of the Orinoco drainage in Colombia and reaches about 4.6cm standard length, males being larger, more colourful and longer-finned. Seriously Fish gives 22-28C, pH 4.5-6.5 and 0-2 dGH, making it one of the most demanding Apistogramma for soft, acidic water; a pair can be kept in 60x30cm, about 54 litres. It is generally peaceful and suits community tanks with small characins and rasboras. It feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, so live and frozen Artemia, Daphnia and bloodworm are the staple. It is a substrate spawner whose eggs hatch in 36-72 hours depending on temperature, and spawning females turn bright yellow with black markings. Note that Seriously Fish states plainly that many fish entering the trade as viejita are in fact A. macmasteri; the dark upper edge of the male's dorsal fin is the distinguishing feature.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Viejita Dwarf Cichlid

The Viejita Dwarf Cichlid lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Viejita Dwarf Cichlid

The Viejita Dwarf Cichlid grows to Up to about 4.6cm standard length.

Temperature & humidity for the Viejita Dwarf Cichlid

The ideal temperature for the Viejita Dwarf Cichlid is 22〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America: Colombia, upper Meta River basin of the Orinoco drainage

Lifespan

Care Specifications

pH: 4.5–6.5
Hardness (GH): 0–2 dGH
Water Temp.: 22–28℃
Min. Tank: 54 L

PeacefulPairBreeding: Moderate

Sources: Seriously Fish: Apistogramma viejita / FishBase: Apistogramma viejita

References & Sources

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

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Apistogramma viejita Kullander, 1979

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.