Above: In the picture a young male premium quality Apistogramma Cacatoides Cichlid is swimming in one of our aquariums, when one of us snapped this picture.

Comments: These are fabulous fish with vibrant colors.

Origin: Apistogrammas are Cichlids whose ancestors lived in the Amazon but now they live in aquariums all over the world. There are several species of Cichlids for sale in this store.

Maximum Size: In aquariums, Apistogrammas can grow to be about 3" long.

Behaviors: Apistogramma are usually semi-aggresive fish and from time to time males have long energetic battles.

Compatibility: Some recommended tank mates include, other South American Cichlid species and Synodontis Catfish.

Click here for more about Synodontis Catfish.

Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish.

Temperature: Apistogrammas live best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal.

Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters.

Feeding: Premium Fish Food Pellets is best to feed to Cichlids. Smaller sized pellets when young, and larger sized pellets when bigger, is the ideal food for these fish.

Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods.

Water Conditions: These fish can adapt to most types of water, and so as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or alkalinity.

Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions.

Aquarium Size: Cichlids like this Apistogramma, will eventually need to live in an aquarium with at least 50-gallons of water, but of course bigger is better.

Decor: Apistogrammas do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water.

Click here for more about aquarium gravel.

Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality, but Cichlids will usually rip plants up, so most Mbuna aquariums do not have live plants, Cichlids love rocks and rocky caves.

Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended.

Most 80-gallon aquariums have room along the back for two Penguin 350B Filters, and this is sort of a minimal Mbuna set up.

Better is a 120, 150, or 200-gallon aquarium with as many Penguin 350B Filters as will fit across the back.

Click here to learn more about aquarium filters.

The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums.

Life Span: Apistogrammas can live for several years.

Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they will most likely breed and produce the next generation of fish for your aquarium.

Gender: It's difficult to tell males from females, when they are very small, but as they mature the male will color up and the female will become rounder.

Breeding: Apistogrammas females lay their eggs on leaves or in small cavities. The male fertilizes and they wait and protect their eggs from other tankmates.

Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums.

Popularity: These fish are very popular in the aquarium hobby.

Names: The scientific name for Apistogramma is Apistogramma Cacatoides.

Variations: There are some variations of the Apistogramma Cacatoides.

Click here for a lot more information about keeping and caring for Apistogrammas, including a picture gallery.

We hope you've enjoyed reading these comments.