Comments: These are fabulous fish and the males develop vibrant colors.

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

Maximum Size: In aquariums, male Apistogrammas can grow to be about 2.5" long, and females to about 2" long.

Behaviors: Apistogrammas are usually semi-aggressive fish, and from time to time males have energetic battles.

They can also be aggressive, when they're getting ready to spawn, spawning, and then guarding their eggs and babies.

Compatibility: Some recommended tank mates include Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, and Angelfish. 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 Flakes is best to feed to these Dwarf Cichlids.

You might also want to feed them some live or frozen foods occasionally.

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

Water Conditions: These fish do best in water with a pH of 6 to 7 with low to moderate hardness.

Most of the water in the U.S. has a higher pH and is harder but seems OK, and so as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or alkalinity.

But if want to breed Apistogrammas, you will probably need to dilute their water slowly with RO-water.

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

Aquarium Size: a few young Dwarf Cichlids like this Apistogramma will do well for a while in a 15 to 25-gallon aquarium, but eventually they'll probably do better in a 30-gallon or bigger aquarium.

Many Apistogramma experts keep just one pair in a 10 to 15-gallon aquarium.

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, and Apistogrammas seem to do better in an aquarium with live plants that can be potted plants.

Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended. A 10 to 20-gallon aquarium will do well with a Penguin 100B Filter. A 20 to 30-gallon aquarium will do well with a Penguin 200B Filter.

Click here to learn more about aquarium filters. If you decide to keep a pair in a small aquarium, a sponge filter is OK.

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 may breed and produce the next generation of fish for your aquarium.

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

Breeding: Apistogrammas females lay their eggs on rocks or between rocks. The male fertilizes, and then they guard their eggs and babies from other tankmates.

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

Popularity: These fish are generally rare and not very popular. But some hobbyist love them and are dedicated to them.